SLA Material, Stereolithography Materials

Rapid Designs is among the nation’s leading product development specialists with extensive expertise in the application of stereolithography (SLA) technology in rapid prototyping and rapid tooling. Stereolithography has become the gold standard for rapid prototyping where fit and assembly is critical. Its high accuracy and good surface finish makes it the preferred choice for designer models, engineering verification and master patterns for silicone rubber molds.

New composite photopolymers continue to be developed by resin manufacturers. These new resin systems are reinforced ceramic composites introducing nano-scale particle sizes. Composite resins offer enhanced stiffness and high heat deflection temperature (HDT 250°C) over unfilled resins, together with low shrinkage and ease of processing. New applications opportunities are promising. Rapid Designs has been pioneering SLA composites for rapid tooling and improved engineered part applications.

SLA Material Selection

Rapid Designs provides engineering expertise to help select the best stereolithography material for your application. The table below provides a sampling of the SLA material that is available for your rapid prototype.

Stereolithography
SLA Resins	Material Class	Application “Best Fit”	Material Data
DSM Somos Watershed^® 11122	Epoxy (clear)	ABS-like Concept models – form & fit Engineering models Rubber mold pattern masters	Data Sheet
DSM Somos ProtoGen™ O-XT 18420	Epoxy (white)	ABS-like RTV patterns for cast urethane parts Concept model Temperature & humidity tolerant	Data Sheet
DSM Somos 8110	Epoxy (transparent amber)	Polyethylene-like Plastic bottles Snap fit parts	Data Sheet
DSM Somos 9110	Epoxy (translucent amber)	ABS-like Engineering prototypes Silicone RTV Pattern masters	Data Sheet
DSM Somos NanoTool™	Epoxy (ceramic reinforced)	High temperature applications Rapid tooling Mold inserts	Data Sheet
3D Systems Accura 25	Epoxy	Polyethylene-like Snap fit assemblies	Data Sheet
3D Systems Accura 60	Epoxy (clear)	Polycarbonate-like Concept models	Data Sheet

SLA DSM Somos 11122 Watershed™
Watershed offers many properties that mimic traditional engineering grade thermoplastics including ABS and PBT. This SLA epoxy resin system makes the material ideal for many applications in the automotive, medical and consumer electronics markets. Typical applications may include: water flow analysis, wind-tunnel test models, proof of concept models (form and fit), engineering proving models (engineering design verification) and silicone rubber mold master patterns.
SLA DSM Somos^® 8110
Excellent choice when flexible, accurate, polyethylene like material with excellent impact resistance is required. Typical applications include plastic bottles, packaging, automobile panels, medical products, and snap-fit parts.
SLA DSM Somos^® 9110
Characteristics of this resin system has proven to produce accurate and functional parts with characteristics similar to polypropylene. It is a durable resin with good rigidity. It is useful in creating parts for applications where durability and robustness are critical requirements, as in automobile components, electronic housings, large panels and snap-fit parts.
SLA DSM Somos NanoTool™
NanoTool is a nanoparticle ceramic reinforced epoxy resin system that produces strong stiff, high temperature resistant (500°F), composite parts. NanoTool can be used for parts requiring superior stiffness and rapid tooling injection mold inserts.