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3D printer OEM Stratasys has launched P3 Silicone 25A, a brand new 3D printing materials developed in partnership with Japanese chemical firm Shin-Etsu.
Engineered to be used with the Stratasys Origin One DLP platform, the fabric is designed to beat long-standing challenges in producing silicone parts through 3D printing, providing mechanical and thermal efficiency on par with historically molded silicones.
Formulated as a pure silicone elastomer, P3 Silicone 25A is well-suited for functions that demand sturdiness, elasticity, and chemical resistance. It incorporates a Shore A hardness of 25 and is focused at industries together with aerospace, automotive, healthcare, client items, and industrial gear. Typical use circumstances vary from seals and gaskets to vibration dampers, soft-touch parts, and wearable units.
“We’re excited and proud to be working with Stratasys, the worldwide chief in additive manufacturing, to deliver 3D printable true silicone to market and develop collectively,” mentioned Makoto Ohara, Head of Gross sales and Advertising and marketing Division S4, Shin-Etsu Silicones Europe B.V.
Efficiency validated via ASTM testing
In line with testing beneath ASTM Worldwide requirements, the fabric reveals a tensile power of 5.4 MPa, tear power of 16 kN/m, Younger’s modulus of 1.45 MPa, and an elongation at break of 672%. It stays thermally secure after 1,000 hours at 150°C, meets UL-94 V0 flame retardancy, and has handed cytotoxicity exams per ISO 10993-5. Biocompatibility certification is at present in progress.
P3 Silicone 25A is delivered as a single-component UV-curable resin that requires no mixing, which helps streamline the printing course of. It options low curing shrinkage (
Dynamic mechanical evaluation confirms that the fabric maintains constant efficiency throughout a large temperature vary. Its storage modulus at 1.0 Hz stays comparatively secure from room temperature to 190°C, with solely gradual softening at elevated temperatures.
The launch of P3 Silicone 25A marks the primary in a deliberate collection of silicone supplies co-developed by the 3D printer OEM and Japanese firm. Future variants will embrace choices with various hardness ranges and specialised efficiency traits.
P3 Silicone 25A is at present obtainable within the EMEA and APAC areas, with a launch within the Americas anticipated later this 12 months.
Wider developments in silicone 3D printing supplies
Silicone is gaining traction in 3D printing for its flexibility, sturdiness, and biocompatibility, qualities that assist advanced half geometries throughout medical, industrial, and robotics functions.
At Fast + TCT this 12 months, high-speed SLA printer producer Axtra3D introduced its new TrueSilX50 silicone materials engineered to match the mechanical properties of molded silicone with a Shore A hardness of 48, 330% elongation at break, and 22 N/m tear power.
Appropriate for functions comparable to medical units, wearables, gaskets, and enclosures, the fabric is present process biocompatibility testing for cytotoxicity, pores and skin irritation, and sensitization. TrueSilX50 is designed to reduce layering artifacts with a clean, isotropic end, and helps high-detail geometries. Constructed for consistency, the fabric is suitable with Axtra3D’s Hybrid PhotoSynthesis course of and requires minimal post-processing.
On the medical entrance, French materials producer STERNE launched a novel antimicrobial silicone materials to be used with its SiO-Shaping 3D printing system. Developed to withstand bacterial development each on the floor and inside printed elements, the fabric gives enhanced hygiene and helps forestall odor retention.
Suitable with Shore A hardness values between 30 and 60, it meets U.S. Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) and USP Class VI requirements, making it appropriate for medical and industrial functions. The SiO-Shaping 1601 3D printer makes use of FFF-like deposition with UV curing, enabling 0.1 mm layer decision and print dimensions as much as 205 × 200 × 100 mm.
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Featured picture exhibits silicone gaskets 3D printed utilizing P3 Silicone 25A materials. Photograph through Stratasys.
