Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, an indirect subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd and one of the largest providers of 3D printing and conventional manufacturing services in North America, has further cemented its position as a market leader in SL technology through its partnership with DSM’s Somos, the preferred materials for building SL parts.
The partnership doubles Stratasys Direct Manufacturing’s SL production capacity, enabling the company to deliver large projects more rapidly, and accelerates material development.
Stratasys Direct Manufacturing said it will apply 25 years of experience in SL from legacy companies Solid Concepts and Harvest Technologies, collaborating with the Somos® development team to beta test new Somos® materials before they hit the market.
Melissa Lutz, Business Director Somos® said the agreement gives the market access to the industry’s most extensive Somos® materials offering, enabling a nearly limitless number of prototype applications.
“Together with Stratasys Direct Manufacturing we’ll accelerate Stereolithography material development like never before,” Ms Lutz said.
“Stratasys Direct Manufacturing’s customers have already used Somos® materials in some exciting and potentially life-saving applications, like customised and intricate heart models that improve the safety and efficacy of surgical procedures, so we’re eager to see what incredible SL parts users develop next.”
Chuck Alexander, Director of Product Management for Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, said the agreement provides customers more choice and greater control over which materials to use for their SL projects.
“We made this move to meet customers’ strong demand for Somos® materials that the rapid prototyping services industry wasn’t fulfilling,” Mr Alexander said.
“We’re excited to build on Stratasys Direct Manufacturing’s legacy of Stereolithography excellence by giving customers materials that have the power to enable more life-changing innovations.”
Somos® materials available now at Stratasys Direct Manufacturing include:
- Somos® NeXt: Provides the accuracy of SL with the look, feel and performance of a thermoplastic. Ideal for large prototypes.
- Somos® ProtoGen 18420: Highly accurate and is humidity and temperature resistant.
- Somos® WaterClear Ultra 10122: A colourless material suited for lenses and electronic covers.
- Somos® WaterShed XC 11122. Produces highly detailed parts with great clarity and water-resistance.
