Rapid prototyping technologies

3D Rapid Prototyping by Objet

3D Rapid prototyping technologies:

When Objet introduced its patented PolyJet™ technology in early 2000, it enabled, for the first time, companies of virtually any size to produce complex models quickly and in high-quality. The models are made of a single model material. The materials are Objet FullCure® acrylic based photopolymers which offer a varied choice of mechanical and physical properties.

Objet's patent pending PolyJet Matrix™ Technology, a new direction in 3-D printing, announced on Nov. 2007, is the first technology that enables simultaneous jetting of different types of FullCure® model materials. The technology is available on Connex500™ - a new platform by Objet, that was awarded first place for innovation at EuroMold, December 2007.
PolyJet Matrix™ Technology enables versatile multi-material printing options:

Objet rapid prototyping solution options:

Mixed Tray– Different parts made with different materials in a single build; saves time on materials replacement and provides an answer for multiple users

Mixed Parts– Parts printed using multiple FullCure model materials; eliminates the need to design, print and glue together separate model parts to make a complete model, leading to dramatic savings in printing and post-processing time

Digital Materials-- Composite materials made up of any two FullCure model materials integrated in specific concentrations and structures to provide the desired mechanical properties; enables close simulation of the target product materials for early-stage testing

The main objective of the digital materials, as composites, is to combine 2 different materials to produce a new material with performance unattainable by the individual constituents.   Composite materials have always been around, for example, adding straw to mud for building stronger mud walls. Some more recent examples are carbon black in rubber, steel rods in concrete, cement/asphalt mixed with sand etc. Composites are used in an increasing number of products ranging from simple consumer goods to advanced aerospace structures. The first version of Connex500 enables 21 digital materials

Rapid Prototyping – 3D modeling by Objet

Expanding Applications with rapid prototyping models in Objet’s Photopolymer Materials

3D Rapid Prototyping Models

Objet’s FullCure® proprietary resins are acrylic-based photopolymer materials. Based on Objet’s PolyJet technology the materials are delivered in fully sealed 2kg (4.4 lbs) or 3.6kg (7.9 lbs) cartridges

Benefits of Rapid Prototyping

• Productivity
o Instant curing—ready-to-use models

• Versatility
o Choice of transparent, colored, opaque, flexible and rigid materials enables a wide variety of applications
o Specialized materials for Hearing Aids

• Ease of Use
o Same, easily removable gel-like support for all materials
o Easy loading and unloading of cartridges
o Easy switching between materials

• Environmental Safety
o Delivered in fully sealed cartridges eliminating skin and eye contact
• Diversified Finishing
o Model surfaces readily absorb paint
o Models can be machined, drilled, chrome-plated, glued or used as a mold

FullCure Technology for Rapid Prototyping

The FullCure Tango family of rubber like materials embraces new applications by providing different levels of flexibility and elasticity. Elongation at break of 47 percent and SHORE A of 61 and 75 for TangoBlack and TangoGray, respectively.

TangoBlack provides high elasticity, while TangoGray is a slightly harder material that provides a more controlled flexibility and elasticity. This enables models that closely resemble the “feel” of their target products, such as shoes, toys, and consumer electronics.

TangoPlus, FullCure930, a new, semi-translucent elastomer, has elongation at break of 218 percent, a unique material property in RP with no competition regarding toughness, durability and resistance to deterioration. It addresses applications requiring rubber-like flexibility and durability, such as gaskets, seals, hoses, athletic footwear and toys.

The FullCure Vero family of materials enables opaque models that closely resemble the “look” of their target products, enhancing visualization of details and edges. A good flexural modulus (2200 MPa), with a 20 percent elongation at break enable Vero materials to be used in various applications. Vero materials are available in VeroWhite, VeroBlue and VeroBlack. The Vero family is used intensively when functional testing of engineering parts is required, for snap fit assemblies, RTV molding patterns and more.

The transparent FullCure720 material is suitable for rigid models, particularly where visibility of liquid flow or internal details is needed. The material is also biocompatible and suitable for various medical applications. Its main characteristics are:

• Tensile strength: 60.3 MPa
• Elongation at break: 20 percent
• Modulus of elasticity: 2,870 MPa
• Flexural strength: 75.8 MPa

The FullCure 6XX family of materials is designed for the unique requirements of hearing aids (ear molds): Clear - FullCure640; RoseClear - FullCure660; SkinTone- FullCure680. With this group of materials, Objet is leading the trend towards rapid manufacturing.
The FullCure family of materials is the perfect complement to PolyJet technology as together they enable more applications and solutions to be realized and shared with customers, thus meeting any rapid prototyping/manufacturing requirement they may have.

Rapid Prototyping Applications:

3D Prototyping Methods	Materials
Selective laser sintering (SLS)	Thermoplastics, metals powders
Fused deposition modeling (FDM)	Thermoplastics, eutectic metals.
Stereolithography (SLA)	Photopolymer
Laminated object manufacturing (LOM)	Paper
Electron beam melting (EBM)	Titanium alloys
3D printing (3DP) - Objet	•FullCure materials •Digital Materials