We’ve acquired 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 components or a transparent prototype you’ll be able to truly see by way of.
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 wise, scalable solution to produce robust practical thermoplastic components. 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 suits and residing hinges with ease.
Use it for: automotive elements, packaging, housings, industrial components.
SAF™ Nylon 11 (PA11)
Versatile. Powerful. Renewable.
Created from castor beans, PA11 delivers excessive ductility, influence resistance and isotropic energy. It’s robust sufficient for demanding use and sustainable sufficient to be ok with utilizing.
Use it for: drone components, protecting gear, sports activities gear, automotive clips.
What about SLA?
Stereolithography (SLA) cures liquid resin with a UV laser to create exact components with easy surfaces and fantastic element. If SAF is all about energy and performance, SLA is about accuracy and polish.
Somos® Watershed Black
Clean. Inflexible. Appears to be like sharp.
This matte black resin makes components that don’t simply carry out, they appear completed proper off the printer. Minimal post-processing, most presentation worth.
Use it for: shopper electronics, snap-fit casings, visible prototypes.
Somos® Watershed XC 11122
Clear. Robust. Versatile.
Want transparency? XC delivers water-clear components after sprucing, with mechanical properties just like ABS. Excellent for displaying fluid circulation, gentle paths or simply getting a clear take a look at your design.
Use it for: lenses, gentle guides, medical fashions, fluidic prototypes.
Getting began is straightforward
Add your mannequin, choose your materials, place your order. Self-serve provides 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 initiatives maintain demanding extra.
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