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Choosing the right Digital Materials™ for your application

Digital Materials™ (DM) are composite materials consisting of two basic FullCure® model materials integrated in specific concentrations and structures. Each combination produces a set of properties (physical, mechanical, shades and tones) that is different from those of the parent materials.

Connex 3D printing systems produce DMs using PolyJet Matrix™ technology.

Each Digital Material can be assigned to any part of the model according to the original design. The ability to assign multiple materials to different parts of the same model enables the designer to print a complete product of virtually any complexity in a single build process.

For example, combining two basic materials, TangoBlack™ and VeroWhitePlus™™, enables the printing of six different DMs with unique characteristics in one build process (see Table 1);

Table 1: TangoBlack and VeroWhitePlus™ DM Combinations

The primary selection enables a wide range of Digital Materials that can be divided into two main categories:

DM _8XXX
Primary material is VeroWhitePlus™™ (Rigid)
As the presence of Tango family increases in DM 8xxx, the generated DM possess:
• darker color
• higher elongation at break
• higher toughness (Izod impact)

DM _9XXX
Primary material is TangoBlack™ (flexible)
As the presence of Vero family increases in the DM 9xxx, the generated DM possess:
• higher tear resistance
• higher tensile strength
• higher hardness (Shore A)


Applications, Features and Benefits

DMs can be assigned to any part of the model, as in the original design, for real world physical testing and functional use.
To select a suitable material for your application, you must be familiar with the material's features, benefits and applications. Several examples are presented below.

DM9110 - Base Material: TangoBlack / VeroWhitePlus™

Applications:
• "Soft – touch" over molding grips
• Athletic footwear and equipment
• Parts requiring rubber-like flexibility
• Sealing materials

Benefits:
• Comfortable feel for handheld products
• Creates a watertight barrier directly on the model
• Functional testing
• Excellent ergonomic comfort


DM9120 - Base Material: TangoBlack / VeroWhitePlus™

Applications:
• Pliable feature
• Hoses and tubes
• Functional buttons
• Functional belts
• Parts requiring rubber-like flexibility


Benefits:
• End-use parts without tooling
• Slip-resistance texture on protective covering of power tools


DM9130 - Base Material: TangoBlack / VeroWhitePlus™

Applications:
• Working hinges
• Gaskets and hoses
• Models that require joining with adhesives
• Shock absorption and impact resistance

Benefits:
• Durable end-use parts without tooling
• Excels in impact resistance, shock absorption and vibration damping