In rapid prototyping here at Protogenic it's not always about medical, and while that's often our focus more often than not our Customers need parts that can hold up to some amount of use and handling, either once as a prototype, or several times in production applications. So to that end we have several options available on the "durable" end of the spectrum. Every one of the materials described below completely defeated our SLA Resin Comparison test, meaning that the test pieces would not break in either test, under the same conditions. Below is a brief description of each, followed by some comparisons between the materials. Hopefully these descriptions will give you a better understanding of the materials and processes, and as always if you have any questions or would like a sample of anything, all you need to do is let us know.
Descriptions
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Durus White 430, is a Polypropylene-likematerial for the Objet Eden 500v printer. This new option is best for intricate designs that don't lend themselves well to SLA, like fine screw threads or trapped geometry that's best run with the water-soluble support material, or for larger models that couldn't run in an SLA machine in one piece. Downside to this approach is mainly cost, as the PolyJet material is on the high end of what's available. Also fine detail isn't as crisp in the PolyJet as it is from an SLA, and we've found that sharp edges tend to be more rounded off. Like SLA the material properties of this resin will degrade somewhat over time, so the best performance will be had when they are new, right off the machine.
DSM Somos 9120 SLA resin, a Polypropylene-likematerial for the Viper 250. This option is best for fine detail if run in high resolution, and is often (not always) the better choice over the PolyJet. SLA's made in 9120 are excellent for testing snap features, or parts that need to flex a little bit more than a typical rigid resin. One potential downside is time, after a couple weeks the SLA will be stiffer than it was when it was "fresh," so this is really geared towards prototype applications only. For more lasting properties, we'd suggest cast urethanes or LS Nylon.
PG606 is a durable, shock-resistant cast urethane. This option is best for multiples, or when molded-in color and texture are important. Living hinges can be molded for a number of successful flexes, and this material has also been used successfully in products ranging from assembly and machining fixtures, to Frisbees and ski pole baskets. The casting process does come with the expense of the master pattern and mold, so it's generally only cost effective for quantities higher than 5 or 6 pieces, compared to another direct-print method. However it's the only process that can provide custom colors and textures, without the need for additional painting.
DSM Somos® DMX-SL™ 100 is an extremely durable SL resin that produces very accurate parts with super smooth side walls. It uses an entirely new chemistry compared to other SLA resins, which gives the material high impact resistance similar to thermoplastics. Tough, complex parts can be built with outstanding surface finish compared to other SLA resins, making this the "toughest" SLA available. It currently runs in a Viper SLA 250, which is a 10"x10" build platform in normal resolution (.004" layers), see below for a video demonstrating its durable properties.
