29 May 2019
Geleen, Netherlands – Dutch chemical company Royal DSM is partnering with polymer resin supplier Adaptive3D to produce and market Soft ToughRubber, a new 3D-printable photopolymer.
According to DSM, Soft ToughRubber allows manufacturers to explore applications in anatomical medical models, as well as in consumer goods such as audio earbuds and footwear.
Soft ToughRubber combines the feel and mechanical properties of silicone with high resolution and surface finish that provided by Adaptive3D's digital light processing (DPL), DSM said.
"Aside from new applications in consumer products and medical models, Soft ToughRubber adds to the available materials for manufacturers looking for sustainable options" Walter Voit, founder and CEO of Adaptive3D Technologies.
According to Voit, DLP printing uses light instead of heat to cure materials, leading to “dramatically lower” energy consumption and a lower carbon footprint.
DSM invested in Adaptive3D early in 2019, according to a DSM press release.
"The partnership will guarantee the availability of the new material in production volumes worldwide," DSM said.
DSM and Adaptive3D showcased Soft ToughRubber at the RAPID+TCT event held in Detroit, 20-23 May.
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