AXIS develops multiple polymers to improve SL and LS molding processes

Regardless of whether you believe it or not, the stereolithography (SL) and laser sintering (LS) technologies have barely changed in the 20 years or so they were born. With respect to SL, it is still heated by a high-energy laser to become a liquid photopolymer; for the LS, it is still under the action of a high-power laser to sweep the powdered plastic layer through the building cavity and layer it with The basic process of sintering between layers. Other lower cost processes such as FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) or Z- Corporation 3D printing have also been introduced to the market in recent years, but they are often achieved at the expense of quality, durability, speed, or post-processed part performance. Cost effect.

Therefore, changes in the development of rubber and plastic materials in the SL and LS processes will continue to promote the rapid development of the rapid prototyping industry. We started from the original "be careful, don't put parts wrong, this is the prototype." Developed to the present "Obviously, it will not break on the ceramic board, it will not break." AXIS company currently has a lot of excellent performance Products such as Crystal Clear (WaterClear® Ultra 10122), Excellent Impact Strength (DMX-SLT 100), Heat Deflection Temperature (NanoTool) up to 250°C, and Elasticity like Silicone.

DSM Somos is the world's leading SL resin supplier and developer. In their most recent development, the SL resins are located under the name Nanotool. This resin also opens up its wide application in the field of rubber and plastics. Its forms, such as ceramics, and its current applications include rapid tooling, tooling for vacuum forming, intricate manufacturing embedding, and other unexplored fields. It is extremely accurate and only SL resin can withstand temperatures up to 250 degrees. In addition, due to its rigidity, accuracy and low water absorption, SL resin will be the perfect choice for metal forming applications.

AXIS will work with a market-leading vacuum molding company specializing in vacuum forming and packaging manufacturing to test the durability of Nanotool products and use thin transparent packaging to produce vacuum-type molds, as we have seen on the outside of coin rolls. "We have completed some very successful tests," said AXIS sales manager Vincent Laithier. "However, its thermal diffusion efficiency is lower than that of aluminum, so it requires a longer cycle time." The partner company's operations manager described this. The benefit, "We submitted an order at AXIS, we got the mold in 3 to 5 days, and in 3 days our customers will see the virtual prototype appearance. This process shortens our cycle time and gives the product additional Value.” Manufacturing experts and injection molding operators also praised the benefits of Nanotool. They can have a complex manufacturing with multiple grooves embedded or lose their normal shape within only 2 to 3 days. However, testing of all applications of this resin has not been completed.

In addition, AXIS plans to conduct some tests to determine the possibility of applying Nanotool molds to small-volume injection molded parts.