Silicone parts printed in translucent and blue silicone.
ACEO, a subsidiary of German chemical company, Wacker Chemie, will show its multi-material silicone 3D printing technology for the first time at formnext powered by TCT in Frankfurt.
First introduced in 2016, the process enables printing of multiple silicone materials to create functional products, bio-models and small series batches with complex inner structures. Based on a “drop-on-demand” principle, the process works by depositing single silicone voxels on a build platform which flow together to form a homogeneous layer cured by UV light. Support material can be used to create overhands on cavities and can be removed easily with water. The part is then post-cured at an elevated temperature to achieve final mechanical properties.
Dr. Bernd Pachaly, Head of Project 3D Printing explains: “This latest development is yet another milestone in ACEO’s history. Silicones of different colours, hardness or even chemical or physical properties can now be placed independent from each other at any given point throughout the process, which allows sharp as well as merging gradients. The result: even more freedom of design in the constriction of objects with multiple materials 3D printed in one single process, in particular soft and hard segments.”
Sample multi-material silicone print.
In July, ACEO opened its Open Print Lab in Burghausen to offer tailor-made 3D printing programs for customers. This first-hand experience which includes theoretical and practical training on AM basics to advanced design, is geared to help users understand how the technology fits their application needs.
Visitors will be able to get a first-hand look at the technology on 14-17th November in Hall 3.1, stand C18, Frankfurt Messe.
