From a commercial perspective, 3D printing is very appealing, especially in applications where only relatively small number of parts are required. Additionally, strong market demand for next-generation oligomers for formulating inks and resins used in SLA, DLP, and 3D inkjet printers has been coupled with an increased need for materials with a wide variety of physical properties. However, there are several challenges preventing the realization of this potential; speed of manufacturing and meeting material performance properties being the most important.
Background
Widely used as the backbone of UV-curable 3D-printing formulations for SLA, DLP, and 3D
This selection consists of next-generation oligomers with varying Tgs that allow for flexibility in mechanical properties. Formulators looking to eliminate object deformation can select an oligomer with a high Tg and low linear shrinkage. The oligomers also cover a large range of viscosities, so formulators can achieve the flow characteristics they desire. In addition to the mechanical properties these products provide, they also are non-yellowing for higher clarity and offer color stability for better looking objects. Formulations that utilize Bomar oligomers also gain high impact resistance, making them more durable against dropping and every day wear. Additionally, oligomers for thin film applications like coatings or inks may not necessarily have the same balance of properties that Bomar oligomers can provide.
Features & Benefits of Bomar® Oligomers
- Excellent mechanical properties for products that can be used in applications beyond prototyping
- Superior surface quality and deformation resistance for better aesthetics
- High impact resistance for more durable products
- Variety of viscosities for desired flow characteristics
Light-Curing Equipment for 3D Printing Post Cure and Rework
After a 3D model is built, it may be necessary to supply additional curing energy to the part to ensure that optimized material properties are achieved. Several Dymax curing system configurations are ideally suited for post-cure process or rework.
BlueWave® 200 3.0 UV-Curing Spot Lamp System
Ideal for Rework or Repair
UV Light-Curing Flood Lamp Systems
Ideal for Post Cure
Dymax flood-lamp systems are designed for area curing or for curing multiple assemblies at once. These flo
od lamp modelsuse a powerful UV light-curing lamp (up to 225 mW/cm2) for fast curing over a 5″ x 5″ (12.7 cm x 12.7 cm) area. They can be used as stand-alone curing units or incorporated into conveyorized systems.
If you want to learn more about next-generation 3D printing oligomers, download our white paper “New Developments in Acrylate Oligomers for 3D Printing.”