DSM will help produce, distribute and sell Adaptive3D’s newest 3D printable photopolymer, Soft ToughRubber.
Building on the growing trend for collaboration and partnerships in the 3D printing community, global science-company and materials leader, DSM has entered into a partnership with additive manufacturing resin supplier, Adaptive3D.
Following a Series A investment in Adaptive3D through its strategic funding arm earlier this year, DSM will now help produce, distribute and sell Adaptive3D’s newest 3D printable photopolymer, Soft ToughRubber. The material, which the company showcased at RAPID + TCT last week, has been engineered to combine the feel and mechanical properties of silicone with the resolution and surface finish afforded by digital light processing (DLP) technologies. As the name suggests, the material is both extremely soft to touch yet incredibly strong and durable, which both companies believe will open up applications in healthcare for patient-specific anatomical models, and in consumer products for the manufacture of earbuds and footwear.
“Aside from new applications in consumer products and medical models, Soft ToughRubber adds to the available materials for manufacturers looking for sustainable options”, adds Walter Voit, founder and CEO of Adaptive3D Technologies. “Thanks to additive manufacturing, we are able to reduce material waste in parts production. DLP printing also uses light instead of heat to cure materials, leading to dramatically lower energy consumption and a lower carbon footprint.”
Together, the companies intend to ensure the commercial availability of this new material in production volumes worldwide.
“This partnership allows us to combine DSM’s global supply chain and strong relationships in key markets with Adaptive3D’s proprietary material innovations”, explains Noud Steffens, Market Development Director Additive Manufacturing at DSM. “Yet another example of how DSM’s commitment to build a global additive manufacturing ecosystem offers Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) across the globe access to cutting-edge materials.”
Going forward, the two companies plan to co-develop and explore new materials for next-generation soft, flexible and elastic solutions including applications in the footwear, textiles, automotive, and electronics industries.
