Laser-based stereolithography (SLA) was the first 3D printing process invented and it is still widely used. DLP (digital light processing), however, is a strong competitor for industrial additive manufacturing processes because – when properly implemented – it can offer faster speeds of production at lower costs.
DLP (as well as other LED based 3D printing systems) works with materials that polymerize at 365 nm wavelengths: that is why Royal DLP, a huge, Netherlands-based, materials manufacturer, is adding Somos ProtoGen 365nm to its long list of photopolymers.
The new clear resin can be used for a wide variety of applications in the electronics, automotive and aerospace industries due to its transparency, accuracy and high temperature resistance. Mellssa Hayes, DSM’s Business Director for Somos Products, said the company is delighted to announce the new addition adding that they are “committed to innovation and will continue to expand our portfolio for 365nm photopolymer-based 3D printers while providing customers with the high quality products that they have come to rely on Somos for at this new wavelength.”
In an official statement the company goes on to say that the performance characteristics of the new materials will equal those of its Somos ProtoGen line of resins for laser stereolithography, which have been among the best selling multi-purpose materials in the industry for the last eight years, specifying that the Somos ProtoGen 365nm – along with the new Somos PerFORM 365nm – lines of products are aiming to set a new stand of performance for 365 nm photopolymer-based 3D printers.
