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Previously, the cyclic olefin resin from polySpectra could only be used in high-end industrial printers.

Clare Scott

February 2, 2023

2 Min Read
COR Alpha 3D-printing resin
Image courtesy of polySpectra

One of the most exciting developments in additive manufacturing is the increase in materials capable of producing end-use parts, rather than just prototypes. Material suppliers are developing tough polymers that can withstand the demanding conditions that final components often require. Tooling, consumer products, satellite parts, and electronics connectors are just a few examples of applications in which 3D printing can be used to create usable real-world products.

California-based company polySpectra, which develops highly rugged photopolymer resins, began making its COR Alpha family of resins commercially available in 2022. An acronym for cyclic olefin resin, COR Alpha resins are engineering-grade materials for additive manufacturing. According to polySpectra, the materials offer durability, high-impact strength, high-temperature performance, and moisture- and chemical-resistance. Until recently, COR Alpha was available for use only on 385nm 3D printers — in other words, industrial 3D printers. Now, however, polySpectra has introduced a version of the material for less-expensive 405nm desktop printers.

The new release means that desktop users will have the ability to print end-use parts, which is still often the domain of larger, more-expensive industrial printers. Now, a user with a relatively inexpensive desktop printer can potentially print a part that is worth as much as — or more than — the printer itself.

“The only difference between a toy and a tool is what it can produce,” said polySpectra founder and CEO Raymond Weitekamp, PhD. “Whether you are running a $250 LCD printer or a $250,000 DLP machine, COR Alpha unlocks a step-change in ROI.”

Currently, 405nm COR Alpha is fully validated for use on Asiga 3D printers. Exploratory models include printers from Anycubic, Elegoo, Nexa3D, Phrozen, and Shining3D. Over the next few weeks, polySpectra will announce validated print profiles for COR Alpha for several desktop 3D printers.

“We founded polySpectra with a mission to democratize manufacturing. Today, we are very excited to announce the 405nm version of COR Alpha, which now gives engineers the ability to access the world's most rugged photopolymers on a wide array of resin 3D printers spanning every price point,” said Weitekamp.

Equipment requirements and print profiles are available here. 405nm COR Alpha is immediately available for order here.

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