[penci_blockquote style=”style-2″ align=”none” author=”” font_style=”italic”]Leading 3D printing service’s newest materials enables higher resolution and smoother surfaces for creation of visual parts[/penci_blockquote]
Above: Shapeways adds new SLA 3D printing materials to its self-serve portfolio/Image Credit: Shapeways
Shapeways, the largest 3D printing service with more than 10 million products printed, today announced the addition of Stereolithography (SLA) to its self-serve portfolio. One of the first 3D printing technologies developed, SLA technology delivers higher resolution and detail for visual prototypes, as well as a smoother surface with limited layer lines regardless of size.
Among the most popular material, SLA is perfect for producing large parts, short-run production and mass customization. To produce parts, a laser selectively cures liquid resin in a bath above it, which then prompts the platform to move up and cure the next layer. This process is then repeated layer by layer until the part is produced. While the large format SLA has similar surface qualities to other resin based technologies within the Shapeways portfolio, it supports the development of much larger parts.
At launch, the materials available for Shapeways’ customers via SLA will include three acrylate-based materials:
Accura 60 SLA 3D Printing Material
Above: Parts 3D printed in Accura clear resin/Image Credit: Shapeways
A clear, durable plastic for quickly producing rigid and strong parts with the aesthetics of molded polycarbonate (PC). Accura 60 is suitable for many general-use applications including tough prototypes, display models, lighting components and fluid flow visualization models.
Accura Xtreme SLA 3D Printing Material
Above: Parts 3D printed in Accura white resin/Image Credit: Shapeways
An ultra-tough grey plastic that resists breakage and handles challenging functional assemblies. Similar to polypropylene and ABS, Accura Xtreme is impact resistant, durable and has great dimensional accuracy. Ideal applications include: snap-fit assemblies, enclosures for consumer and electronic products, master patterns for vacuum casting and general purpose prototyping.
Accura Xtreme 200 SLA 3D Printing Material
Above: Gears 3D printed with Accura resin material/Image Credit: Shapeways
An incredibly durable white plastic with outstanding dimensional accuracy and aesthetics to replace CNC-machined polypropylene and ABS articles. It offers high elongation at break, high impact strength and quality stiffness and durability. Accura Xtreme 200 is the top choice for functional assemblies that must stand up to the harshest, most demanding environments and even drill/tap applications. Recommended for similar applications as Accura Xtreme including: form, fit and function prototypes, enclosures for consumer electronic components, general purpose prototyping, master patterns for silicone molding and more.
“At Shapeways, we want to ensure our customers are empowered with the tools to take their innovations and creativity to the next level, and with that comes the ability to scale,” said Greg Kress, CEO of Shapeways. “We’re excited to introduce SLA to further diversify our range of materials, so as to meet each product’s specific need.”
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