Darlington-based RP service provider, Paragon Rapid Technologies has added a high-performance SLA resin to its material range.
Taurus is one of the latest materials to be developed by Somos® (a product brand of DSM) and is one of the first SLA resins to produce fully functional parts suitable for use in harsh environments, such as under-bonnet in the automotive sector or for functional testing in the aerospace industry.
Continuous application development by Somos® has included rigorous testing in partnership with OEMs like Toyota Motorsport, resulting in the production of a durable resin with the look and feel of a traditional thermoplastic that can withstand raised temperatures of up to 90°C.
Offering high level thermal and mechanical properties, Taurus combines typical SLA accuracy for smooth surfaces and fine details, with the toughness and temperature resistance required for end-use applications.
Managing Director at Paragon, Phil Adamson, commented “Taurus offers something different and will allow us to expand into new markets, where operating conditions would usually be unsuitable for SLA components.”
Paragon’s additive manufacturing suite at its Darlington-based head office now houses 6 SLA machines, 3 SLS Sinterstations and a Carbon M2 printer for production parts.
The company says it is the only UK service provider to have two RP Support NEO800 3D printers. The UK-manufactured machines use the Stereolithography process to produce prototype parts with superior side wall quality and unrivalled build definition.
Utilising the latest variable laser technology, build speed is optimized and surface finishing requirements are reduced by up to 50%, resulting in significantly quicker lead times. The state of the art NEO800 also offers a larger build platform than comparable systems at 800mm x 800mm x 600mm, for bigger 1-piece models.
Following the successful installation of its first NEO800 last Summer, the introduction of Paragon’s second machine underpins its commitment to delivering precision components to its growing client base, whether it’s for prototypes or as master patterns for its downstream production processes.
“The industry is constantly pushing the boundaries of 3D print performance, with users looking for more economical ways of producing their parts and products. We’ve found that our NEO 800 machines are far exceeding expectations in terms of build definition.” said Phil Adamson, Managing Director at Paragon.
Both NEO800 machines are running WaterShed® 11122, resin of choice to achieve clear, durable and water-resistant ABS-like parts with high dimensional stability. WaterShed® 11122 is also Class VI rated, which means it has passed biocompatibility protocols set by the U.S. Pharmacopeia Convention (USP) for plastics and polymers used in medical devices or surgical equipment that may come into contact with human tissue. The compounds approved are durable and resistant to environmental factors, highly protective, non-absorbent, and non-toxic.
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