Nov 23, 2016 | By Benedict
Henkel, a leading global supplier of light cure acrylic, silicone, epoxy, and polyurethane adhesives, is developing a new line of light cure resins for Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printers. The first of the materials will be commercialized in 2017.
Henkel will develop a line of 3D printable resins for SLA and DLP 3D printing
Although typically more expensive than Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printers, SLA and DLP machines have the ability to fabricate parts at an incredibly high resolution, using digitally controlled light projection to cure shapes, layer by layer, in a vat of liquid resin. The Formlabs Form 2, one of the most popular consumer-level SLA 3D printers, is widely considered one of the best desktop printers on the market, while 3D printing giant 3D Systems—the original pioneer of Stereolithography—believes that the technology will soon become widely used on futuristic additive manufacturing production lines.
Seeing the huge promise of light-based 3D printing processes, German materials company Henkel is planning to release a range of light cure resins for SLA and DLP 3D printing, adding to its large portfolio of light cure acrylic, silicone, epoxy, and polyurethane adhesives. According to the company, Henkel will leverage its technical expertise in diverse material production in order to create a new line of materials suitable for both functional prototyping and production-standard additive manufacturing in “areas not possible today.”
As a materials supplier to customers in the medical, electronic device, and transportation vehicle industries, Düsseldorf-based Henkel believes it is strongly positioned to develop light-curable 3D printing materials suitable for use in all of these areas and more. In order to supply customers with the new products as soon as possible, the company is striving to have the first of these materials commercialized by 2017. With several links to 3D printing companies and projects already established, the German company should have few problems marketing its new products to the SLA and DLP printing market.
Henkel 3D printing materials were used to make the façade of Amsterdam's "Europe Building"
In addition to developing new materials for light-based 3D printing processes, Henkel plans to continue making hotmelt adhesives that have previously been used to 3D print automotive parts, filters, medical devices, protective cases for electronic assemblies, furniture, and more. Building on this experience, the company will seek to develop further powder and filament materials suitable for use in Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printers, respectively.
“Thanks to our broad material portfolio and our large customer base across different industries, we have the access and ability to enable 3D printed solutions for all kinds of functional applications,” explained Mike Olosky, Corporate Senior Vice President and Global Head of Innovation and New Business Development at Henkel Adhesive Technologies. “We believe strongly in the future of additive manufacturing and expect that its full potential will come by identifying the right customer application and focusing the right materials, with the right printing process and leveraging the right software.”
One of Henkel’s most high-profile 3D printing endeavors to date has been its collaboration with DUS Architects, the Dutch company best known for (slowly) building the world’s first 3D printed canal house in Amsterdam. Earlier this year, DUS Architects used Henkel materials in its construction of Amsterdam’s Europe Building, built specifically for the Netherlands’ six-month stint as President of the Council of the European Union. Henkel materials were used to create the stylish blue façade of the building.
Posted in 3D Printing Materials
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