Three new stereo lithography materials that
simulate the look and feel of moulded PP, ABS
and Polycarbonate parts have been developed
by 3D Systems Corporation. Typical applications
include automotive headlamps, medical equipment
components, aircraft and missile components,
electrical insulators and connectors, jet pump
impellers and diffusers, flow visualization
models, and rugged housings for cell phones,
pagers and laptop computers.
The most important characteristic requirement
of material for stereo lithography is the development
of a range of products that simulate the look
and feel of largely injection-moulded polymers.
The material known as Accura 25 simulates polypropylene,
while Accura 50 plastic simulates ABS, and Accura
60 simulates a common high- performance engineering
plastic like Polycarbonate. All three now help
moulders to make prototypes for applications
in aerospace, automotive, electronic and medical
industries.
From a production standpoint, the new grade recommended for Polycarbonate (Accura 60) is very efficient. It has very low viscosity, which makes it easy to build and easy to clean up, which ultimately results in good parts and rapid turnaround. The parts we have made so far have been impressive, with excellent accuracy, detail, rigidity, functionality and finish, and it has excellent optical clarity when clear coated. While Accura 60 parts can be used as functional prototypes, they are ideal for use in manufacturing applications as master patterns for moulds and expendable patterns for metal investment casting.
