Epoxy resin for functional prototypes, snap-fit applications

A new stereolithography resin for prototyping has properties similar to that of polyethylene and polypropylene molding resins and is suitable for snap-fit and functional applications. Somos 8120, the first member of the new Somos 8100 series of epoxy resins, is created for solid state laser equipment and features fast photospeeds and a broad process latitude.

?Somos 8120 offers speed, build tolerance, and part flexibility while extending laser life by using less power,? says Michelle Wyatt, technical marketing engineer of DuPont Somos. ?Customers are now having parts prototyped where stereolithography would not have previously met their needs.?

The new resin offers users the opportunity to create prototypes that are humidity and water resistant. It also has high impact resistance and allows users to fabricate parts that were not practical in rigid epoxy resins. In some cases, according to DuPont, the resin eliminates the need for an RTV mold and cast urethane prototypes. It is a transparent amber liquid that, when exposed to ultraviolet light, produces white, translucent parts that have properties approaching engineering plastics. The parts do not have the traditional golden appearance of stereolithography parts.

The resin is created for laser equipment such as 3D Systems? SLA-350, SLA-3500, SLA-5000, Stereos Max 400, Stereos Max 600, and Aaroflex?s Solid Imager. Prices range from $750/gal to $900/gal. The resins come in 1-gal and 5-gal packages. (Photo: Prototyping Technologies.)

DuPont Somos
Wilmington, DE
Phone: (302) 328-5435
Fax: (302) 328-5693
http://www.dupont.com/somos