Sculpteo unveils four 3D printing materials used in super-fast CLIP process

Apr 7, 2016 | By Benedict

Sculpteo has given details of 4 3D printing materials being used for its new CLIP (Continuous Liquid Interface Production) printing service. One month ago, Sculpteo became one of 4 3D printing services to join forces with Carbon (3D), creator of the incredibly in-demand CLIP 3D printing technology.

On March 1, cloud-based 3D printing service Sculpteo, a popular alternative to New York-based Shapeways, announced that it would begin offering customers 3D prints via a new method of 3D printing: CLIP, or Continuous Liquid Interface Production, an ultra-fast resin printing process developed by Carbon, the 3D printing innovator formerly known as Carbon3D. Until recently, when Carbon launched its M1 commercial 3D printer, CLIP had been offered exclusively to close partners and clients.

Sculpteo’s CLIP 3D printing service is now coming to the end of its BETA testing stage, with the company now adding the final touches before the general release. In anticipation of that event, the company has unveiled details of the four unique materials being offered to customers who wish to use the process.

According to Sculpteo, there are particular advantages to be found in each 3D printing material, so the online 3D printing service provider has given a thorough explanation of the particular properties of each material. The guide has been created to enable customers to make an informed choice when using the CLIP process to order a part. The four 3D printing materials are as follows:

1. EPU: Elastomeric Polyurethane

A rubbery, stretchable material that exhibits elastic behavior through a wide range of temperatures, Elastomeric Polyurethane is perfect for 3D printing gaskets, grommets, and flexible watertight seals. EPU, available only in Heather Grey, is reportedly highly flexible and resilient.

Ultimate tensile strength: 5 – 7 MPa

Elongation at break: 250 – 300%

Young’s modulus: 6 – 8 MPa

Tear strength: 15 – 20 kN/m

2. FPU: Flexible Polyurethane

Objects 3D printed in Flexible Polyurethane closely resemble those made with injection-molded polypropylene. The material is ideal for toys, rigid packaging, and housewares. FPU is a lightweight and flexible plastic perfect for hinging mechanisms and other stress-bearing parts due its toughness and abrasion resistance. It is available only in Periwinkle.

Ultimate tensile strength: 23 – 28 MPa

Elongation at break: 200 – 250%

Young’s modulus: 600 – 850 MPa

Tear strength: 35 – 39 J/m

3. RPU: Rigid Polyurethane

Rigid Polyurethane is perfect for 3D printed consumer electronic components like computer mice, cell phones, and other electronic housings. The material is strong, lightweight, and resistant to high temperatures. RPU, a serious material, is available only in Black.

Ultimate tensile strength: 40 – 55 MPa

Elongation at break: 90 – 140%

Young’s modulus: 1500 – 2000 MPa

Tear strength: 58 – 70 °C

4. PR: Prototyping Resin

Sculpteo’s Prototyping Acrylate resin is a rigid, low strength material that is best suited for prototyping designs. The general purpose materials is not suited for most end-use products, but its “remarkable” level of detail and versatility make it the perfect choice for pre-production 3D printing. PR, which requires the least post processing of all the materials, is available in Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Grey, and White.

Ultimate tensile strength: 26 – 32 MPa

Elongation at break: 15 – 28%

Young’s modulus: 600 – 950 MPa

Impact strength: 24 – 28 J/m

Sculpteo is offering personalized advice to customers unsure of which CLIP material is best suited to their 3D printing needs.

Posted in 3D Printing Materials

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