|
|
 |
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DSM Somos Contact: Ty Bacon, Tel. 302-326-8110; ty.bacon@dsm.com
J4 Communications Contact: Mark Bruner, Tel. 330-769-2709, j4com@apk.net
|
|
|
|
April 4, 2005
|
|
|
|
DSM Somos is pleased to introduce an exciting line-up of new stereolithography
(SL) materials for 2005:
Somos ULM™ 17220: Stretching SL Possibilities
First previewed
in December 2004 at the Euromold conference in Frankfurt, Germany, Somos ULM
17220 (Ultra Low Modulus) is a highly elastomeric material ideal for the
prototyping of rubber-like parts.
With a Shore A of approximately 70 and tensile elongation over 100%, ULM 17220
brings the benefits of stereolithography to applications traditionally
reserved for laser sintering (SLS) or silicone molding. Major applications for
the material are expected in the transportation sector, where elastomeric
parts are used extensively. Somos ULM 17220 is now in beta testing worldwide.
|
|
|
|
Somos FR 16120: First Fire Retardant Material Expands SL Market Potential
This year, Somos introduces the industry’s first fire- retardant SL material
for use in general purpose applications. Somos FR 16120 carries a UL 94 V-0
rating, which describes self-extinguishing material behavior in small-scale
laboratory tests. It is a common flammability standard for plastic production
parts.
Properties of Somos FR 16120 are similar to 94 V-0 rated polyurethane
structural foam systems currently used for production parts in business and
medical equipment housings, lawn and garden, transportation and electrical
housings. The material has been developed for both prototyping and rapid
manufacturing use and its general purpose properties allow it to be used
easily in a variety of applications. Beta testing of Somos FR 16120 begins
this month.
|
|
|
|
Somos 12920 Precision HT™: Elevating Aesthetics & Heat Resistance
Building on the success of Somos 12120, Somos 12920 Precision HT delivers the
look of production injection molding plastic with the highest Heat Deflection
Temperature (HDT) currently available in an unreinforced, commercial SL
material.
Somos 12920’s properties make it ideal for tooling applications, as well as
other applications which require a combination of stiffness and elevated
temperature performance. It offers excellent accuracy and water resistance
and, with an elongation at break of 4%, is similar to time-tested general
purpose epoxy hybrid systems such as Somos 7120. Beta testing of Somos 12920
begins this month.
|
|
|
|
Updated Somos HeCd Materials
This year, DSM Somos offers a
collection of new resins optimized for use on Helium Cadmium (HeCd) laser
systems, with special attention given to part aesthetics. Commercialization of
these materials is expected by mid-year:
Somos HeCd Flex is a general purpose material that mimics the properties of
polypropylene. It is ideal for applications where parts must bend without
breaking. Properties of HeCd Flex are similar to Somos 9110 with the aesthetic
updated to “production plastic” white. Somos HeCd Ultra GP mimics the behavior
of ABS and is an excellent choice for creating products that need to look and
act similarly to production-grade thermoplastics. This resin is clear with a
light, glass-like green color.
Somos HeCd Pattern HT is a high-temperature-resistant material with inherent
accuracy and water resistance. It is well suited for created patters for
tooling applications, as well as other applications which require stiffness
and elevated temperature properties.
|
|
|
|
About DSM Somos
DSM Somos is currently the world’s second largest materials supplier to the rapid prototyping industry, providing stereolithography liquids and selective laser sintering powders used for the creation of three-dimensional models and prototypes directly from digital data. Somos’ patented ProtoFunctional materials are used by a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical and telecommunications. Somos' corporate office is located at: 2 Penn’s Way, New Castle, DE 19720, USA, Tel. +1-302-326-8100, Americas@dsmsomos.info. For more information on DSM Somos in Europe: Fax. +39 06 9871694, Europe@dsmsomos.info
DSM Somos is an unincorporated division of DSM Desotech—a world leader in the development of UV-curable materials—and a member of the global DSM family. More information about the companies can be found at www.dsmsomos.com and www.dsmdesotech.com.
|
|
|
|
DSM
DSM is active worldwide in life science and nutritional products, performance materials and industrial chemicals. The company specializes in innovative products and services that help improve the quality of life and DSM products are currently used in a wide range of end markets and applications such as human and animal nutrition and health, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, automotive and transport, coatings, housing and electrics & electronics (E&E). The group has annual sales (pro forma including the recent acquisition - renamed DSM Nutritional Products) of approximately EUR 8 billion and employs about 26,000 people around the world. Ranking among the global leaders in many of its fields, DSM is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations in Europe, Asia and the Americas. More information about DSM can be found at www.dsm.com.
|
|
|
|
What is stereolithography?
Stereolithography (SL) permits the rapid
creation of 3D pieces utilizing a computer-controlled laser that polymerizes
light-sensitive resins. The process is highly precise and constructs the
object in a series of "additive layers," providing the advantage of producing
highly complex forms that are difficult or impossible to fabricate by
machining or traditional molding techniques. The evolution of advanced SL
materials offers the potential of moving stereolithography from prototyping
into production.
DSM Somos ProtoComposites™ are resins reinforced with various
materials, such as ceramics and glasses, to produce functional properties not
possible using individual components. DSM Somos ProtoComposite materials are a
result of a significant research and development program investigating the
potential for ACT-SL™ (Advanced Composite Technology for StereoLithography).
DSM Somos ProtoFunctional resins for stereolithography provide
advanced technology to respond to the changing needs of new product
development and industrial design. In 2003, DSM Somos announced ProtoTool™
ceramic-filled resins, the first member belonging to the new ACT-SL
technology and the result of a significant research and development program.
Traditional non-composite ProtoFunctional materials by DSM Somos satisfy a
varying range of character-istics: transparency, superior humidity and heat
resistance, and outstanding mechanical prop-erties, replicating those of many
production grade plastics such as polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS and PBT.
Technical data on all Somos materials may be found at
www.dsmsomos.com.
|
|
|
|
|
