SOLID CONCEPTS INTRODUCES THREE NEW SLA MATERIALS

VALENCIA, California - August 25, 2009

Through extensive research, Solid Concepts decided to add a rigid, water-clear material; a high, impact-resistant off-white material; and a stable, white material for the broadening needs of their customers.

Solid Concepts, the industry leader in SLA prototype services, is pleased to offer three new specialty photopolymers to its existing lineup. Choices were based on an extensive selection process, including customer and potential customer interviews, a survey of the Solid Concepts sales team, and interviews with leading suppliers (including 3D Systems, DSM Somos, and Huntsman). The company even arranged to have a specially designed set of accuracy diagnostic parts built and evaluated. The result is the following:

Water-clear Accura® 60 (tinting options are available)

With the look and feel of polycarbonate, this material is very rigid and produces functional prototypes with exceptional Flexural Modulus (2,700-3,000 MPa). Accura 60 is an excellent choice for medical instruments, lighting components, visualization models, master patterns, and other transparent models requiring the appearance of production parts produced at the speed of SLA.

Impact tough DMX-SL™ 100

With an impact resistance similar to that of some thermoplastics, this popular off-white material achieves an Izod Impact Strength of 65-80 J/m. DMX-SL 100 is well suited for snap fit designs, automotive housings, consumer sporting goods, and a variety of other applications.

Accurate and strong SL 7811

Resembling ABS, this new material has just been released from Huntsman. It is a tough and stable bright white material. SL 7811 has excellent recoating properties that make it well suited for finer layers, thus yielding an excellent surface finish. Prototypes generated with this material are both accurate and strong with exceptional Elongation at Break (15-30%) and Izod Impact Strength (41-59 J/m).

Conclusion

SLA is an established and accurate rapid prototyping technology well suited for large and small projects in a broad spectrum of industries. It is also inexpensive enough to include multiple design iterations or for engineering start-ups. Solid Concepts offers other proven layer additive rapid prototyping services and fast delivery CNC. Knowledgeable project engineers have the expertise and experience to guide customers to the right technology for their particular application.

About Solid Concepts Inc.

Solid Concepts supplies rapid prototyping, short-run production, tooling and molding services for all industries from aerospace and medical to sports and entertainment. Since 1991, the company has been known as a solutions provider with project management and engineering expertise. Capabilities in PolyJet™ high precision 3D printing, Z-Corp 3D Color Prints, Stereolithography (SLA) models and patterns, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), CNC models and patterns, QuantumCast™ advanced Cast Urethanes, and Composites manufacturing including Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) and Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), allows for low-volume production of plastic, urethane, and metal components directly from CAD design data. Tooling, Injection Molding, Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) services, and Finished Goods operations make Solid Concepts a one-stop source to bring concepts from prototype to finished product. ISO 9001 and AS9100 certified facilities.