Stratasys Expands 3D Printing Material Offerings

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) Nylon 12CF is a new high-performance composite material from Stratasys that could replace a range of metal applications. The company says it is ideal for rapid prototyping; strong, lightweight tooling; and end-use parts. Containing 35% chopped carbon-fiber by weight, FDM Nylon 12CF offers the best stiffness-to-weight ratio among Stratasys FDM thermoplastics, meeting functional performance testing demands in automotive, aerospace, recreational goods and industrial manufacturing sectors.

FDM Nylon 12CF may be of interest for the following users and use cases:

• Design engineers who need to rapidly produce strong, lightweight and rigid components for functional prototyping, reducing new product time-to-market.
• Manufacturing engineers who produce manufacturing aids, such as jigs and fixtures, where high material stiffness and strength is required and there is great benefit to the significant weight savings over metal tooling components.
• Design engineers making low-volume production parts with distinct structural requirements, where high strength in one-direction is required.

The mechanical properties of FDM Nylon 12CF allow engineers to explore the possible transition from traditional metal parts to 3D printed plastic composites. Image courtesy of Stratasys Ltd.

“We believe that the impressive strength-to-weight ratio of the FDM Nylon 12CF is transformative for many industries from consumer goods and recreational goods to automotive and aerospace,” said Zehavit Reisin, VP, head of Rapid Prototyping for Stratasys. “It enables designers to develop more practical and functional designs and get them to market faster, without worrying about how to prototype those parts using metal or molding.”

“The very high stiffness-to-weight ratio of the FDM Nylon 12CF material makes it extremely well suited for a wide range of final part and manufacturing tooling applications where the combination of stiffness, strength and low weight is critical to the performance,” adds Tim Schniepp, head of Tooling Solutions for Stratasys. Examples include drill guides, end-of-arm tooling, brackets, jigs, fixtures, and even metal forming tools.”

Expected to begin shipping in the second quarter of 2017, FDM Nylon 12CF is available for the Stratasys Fortus 450mc Production 3D printer and is compatible with soluble support SR-110. It requires an updated version of Insight software and a hardware upgrade. The material can produce parts in a layer thickness of 0.010 in (0.254 mm).

Visit the FDM Nylon 12CF webpage for further information on the material. Or, check out the video.

3D Print Flexible Parts and Prototypes

The Agilus30 family of materials, consisting of Agilus30 and Agilus30 Black, is created for designers and engineers who need to simulate flexible or rubber materials. The materials reportedly enable greater freedom to handle and test flexible parts and prototypes while delivering accuracy, fine details and enhanced product realism.

The flexible tubing of a prototype medical device 3D printed in Stratasys PolyJet Agilus30 material Image courtesy of Stratasys Ltd.

The Agilus30 family’s rubber-like performance and compatibility with soluble support (SUP706) is expected to be of interest to mechanical engineers, rapid prototyping managers and industrial designers.

Examples of applications benefitting from Agilus30 include over-molding, soft-touch and living hinges, hoses, seals and gaskets, as well as knobs, grips, pulls and handles. Agilus30 can also be combined with additional materials to create a range of digital materials with varying Shore A values, shades and colors.

Agilus30 is compatible with Stratasys’ Objet260/350/500 Connex1/2/3 3D Printing platforms and is now available for shipping.

Visit the Stratasys Rubber-like Materials webpage and view the new Agilus30 rubber-like 3D printing material video.

Sources: Press materials received from the company.