Desktop Metal Launches DuraChain Photopolymers

Desktop Metal Launches DuraChain Photopolymers, a new category of 3D printable resins that delivers two-part material properties and durability in a single-pot system. This commercial category of photopolymers uses a material chemistry process known as photopolymerization-induced phase separation, or Photo PIPS, to deliver breakthrough material properties.

DuraChain photopolymers leverage the Photo PIPs process to produce tough and resilient end-use parts while eliminating the need for a two-part resin. When illuminated during DLP printing, DuraChain materials phase separate into two parts at the nano level and then cure into a resilient, high-performing network that offers various benefits, Desktop Metal reports. DuraChain was developed by Texas-based Adaptive3D, which was acquired by Desktop Metal in 2021.

DuraChain photopolymers demonstrate a long pot life of roughly 1 year, depending on environmental conditions, making them more suitable for volume production and reducing waste from spoiled, unused material.

“DuraChain photopolymers signal a new era in DLP printing that delivers material properties that compete with thermosets in a long pot-life material,” says Ric Fulop, co-founder and CEO of Desktop Metal. “Parts printed with DuraChain resins are high performing in a wide range of temperatures and offer other important benefits that will quickly lead to new material innovations in DLP printing.”

Challenge of Commercializing Photo PIPS

Because Photo PIPS resins require more energy to cure and are relatively heavy compared to standard resins, they are challenging to suspend from a build plate during bottom-up DLP printing, according to Desktop Metal

Desktop Metal’s DuraChain materials will be printable on one of the additive manufacturing industry’s only top-down DLP systems, the ETEC Xtreme 8K.

A New Line of DuraChain Photopolymers

Several DuraChain materials will be available on the ETEC Xtreme 8K: Elastic ToughRubber (ETR) 70 and 90, both of which are offered now and which differ in Shore A durometer value. ETR 70 is available in Black while ETR 90 is available in Black and Blanc, which produces white parts that can be dyed to any color for production.

ETR is already being used to 3D print end-use parts. A case study showcases how Dustless Tools, a maker of construction and industrial vacuum systems based in Utah, uses the rugged ETR material to domestically produce its DustBuddie for demolition hammers. The rugged application requires the material to have high energy return, tear strength, resilience and other durability properties.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.