Rapid Prototyping, Rapid Manufacturing and Traditional Tooling Benefits from Huntsman’s Latest Materials

Patricia Albisser 08/10/2010

260 2 minutes read

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At this year’s Euromold, Huntsman Advanced Materials will showcase a range of products, including a new advanced polymer system resin for Araldite® Digitalis, and some of the toughest stereolithography (SL) resins available today, RenShape® SL 7870 and SL 7811.

The most recent additions to the RenShape® SL 7800 range of resins – RenShape® SL 7870 and RenShape® SL 7811 – are designed for use on solid state laser and SLA systems.

RenShape® SL 7870 is a water-clear SL resin which produces ultra-durable models and prototype parts. It is ideal for producing long-lasting parts that feature a high-quality, smooth surface finish and precise replication of intricate detail. Whilst sharing similar qualities, RenShape® SL 7811 is white in colour and is also well suited to RTV rubber molding.

Huntsman offers a comprehensive range of SL materials and remains at the forefront of product development in this field. The versatile family of RenShape® SL 7800 resins provide customers with easy processing and excellent, long-term durability.

For the rapid manufacturing sector, Huntsman has developed Araldite® Digitalis 70200 and 70300 resins, precursors of a new and IP protected range of advanced polymer system resins for Araldite® Digitalis, the company’s innovative rapid manufacturing machine. Soon to be released in a range of different colours, these new resins offer high speed, good elongation-to-break, flexibility and high impact resistance properties.

The new resins and Araldite® Digitalis represent a significant step in accelerating the adoption of additive fabrication systems into rapid manufacturing. MLS MicroLightSwitch®, a radical new exposure system which lies at the heart of Araldite® Digitalis, selectively exposes the new resins in a single step, allowing large numbers of parts to be produced at speed and with a high degree of accuracy. This breakthrough technology, based on entirely new micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS) technology, is superior to any other radiation curing technique available.

Other products on show include RenPaste® 4688 seamless modelling paste, which enables quick tool build up on high output automated equipment. Excellent machining properties allow a high quality surface to be produced for pre-preg tools and high temperature laminating processes. The fine surface quality achieved after milling of RenPaste® 4688 reduces any further finishing time. Whilst exhibiting excellent dimensional stability, RenPaste® 4688 is virtually odourless during application and cutting and can be applied up to 30mm thick in one single application.

RenCast® 6425 A / 5425 B, a new polyurea casting system for the production of castings where high levels of toughness and durability are required, can also be seen on the stand. It can be used for foundry patterns, core boxes, abrasion and impact-resistant parts, assembly jigs and machinery parts.

Rounding off the latest in material offerings is a new hot curing Araldite epoxy system combining low viscosity and long pot life at elevated temperatures. This resin infusion system provides medium temperature resistance (150°C) and has been primarily developed for making large composite tools (molds) for markets such as Wind and Marine.

For further information please contact;

Patricia Albisser

Huntsman Advanced Materials (Switzerland) GmbH
K-401.5.77
Klybeckstrasse 200
CH-4057 Basel
Switzerland
Phone: +41-61-299 2664
Fax: +41-61-966 8130

E-mail: patricia_albisser@huntsman.com

www.huntsman.com