We’ve received one thing new for anybody pushing the bounds of what they obtain with 3D printing. Shapeways has added 4 professional-grade supplies to our self-serve platform, giving designers, engineers and innovators extra methods to maneuver from thought to half.
- SAF™ Polypropylene (PP)
- SAF™ Nylon 11 (PA11)
- Somos® Watershed Black
- Somos® Watershed XC 11122
These aren’t simply incremental updates — they open up actual choices whether or not you’re constructing versatile hinges, rugged end-use elements or a transparent prototype you’ll be able to truly see by.
A fast primer — what’s SAF?
Selective Absorption Fusion (SAF™) is a powder-based course of that makes use of infrared vitality to fuse layers collectively. Consider it as a sensible, scalable solution to produce robust purposeful thermoplastic elements. Excellent for prototypes. Even higher for short-run manufacturing.
SAF™ Polypropylene (PP)
Light-weight. Versatile. Chemically robust.
Polypropylene has been a workhorse materials for many years and now you’ll be able to print it instantly with SAF. It resists fatigue, shrugs off chemical compounds and handles snap matches and residing hinges with ease.
Use it for: automotive parts, packaging, housings, industrial elements.
SAF™ Nylon 11 (PA11)
Versatile. Powerful. Renewable.
Created from castor beans, PA11 delivers excessive ductility, impression resistance and isotropic power. It’s robust sufficient for demanding use and sustainable sufficient to be ok with utilizing.
Use it for: drone elements, protecting gear, sports activities gear, automotive clips.
What about SLA?
Stereolithography (SLA) cures liquid resin with a UV laser to create exact elements with clean surfaces and advantageous element. If SAF is all about power and performance, SLA is about accuracy and polish.
Somos® Watershed Black
Easy. Inflexible. Appears sharp.
This matte black resin makes elements that don’t simply carry out, they appear completed proper off the printer. Minimal post-processing, most presentation worth.
Use it for: client electronics, snap-fit casings, visible prototypes.
Somos® Watershed XC 11122
Clear. Robust. Versatile.
Want transparency? XC delivers water-clear elements after sprucing, with mechanical properties just like ABS. Excellent for displaying fluid circulate, mild paths or simply getting a clear have a look at your design.
Use it for: lenses, mild guides, medical fashions, fluidic prototypes.
Getting began is straightforward
Add your mannequin, choose your materials, place your order. Self-serve offers you full management — no back-and-forth, no gatekeeping. Simply quicker paths from design to half.
What’s subsequent?
We’re not stopping right here. New supplies and processes are all the time within the pipeline as a result of your tasks maintain demanding extra.
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