The world of additive manufacturing has just become a little more colourful.
ASA Stratasys
Global leader in additive manufacturing solutions Stratasys has introduced an extended spectrum for its ASA thermoplastic and expanded its Digital Materials.
ASA - which was launched in September 2014 - is an all-purpose FDM material used in prototyping, manufacturing tools and the production of finished goods.
Adding to the previously launched black and ivory colours, Stratasys has introduced eight new colour options for ASA including: red, yellow, orange, dark grey, light grey, green, dark blue and white.
This means ASA now offers the widest range of colours for any FDM material, allowing users the flexibility to create colourful parts that are UV resistant and durable. ASA offers an exceptional surface finish and has the best aesthetics of any FDM material available. Compared to ABS, details such as printed text and other features are greatly improved by ASA's matte finish.
Compatible with the Fortus 360mc, 380mc, 400mc, 450mc and 900mc 3D Production Systems, ASA thermoplastic can be used by manufacturers in a variety of industries including sporting goods, outdoor tools, electrical, toys and automotive.
In addition to ASA's new colour options, Stratasys is expanding its PolyJet technology (which offers more than 1,000 material options) by adding 20 two-component Digital Materials that combine Endur with other base materials. Endur Digital Materials allow users to create parts using a range of grey-scale colours with rigid material options, as well as the ability to select a variety of Shore A values with flexible material options.
Eight new rigid Digital Materials offer a range of six grey shades and two white shades. 12 new flexible Digital Materials offer a range of Shore A values. Six of these combine Endur with TangoBlackPlus and six combine Endur with TangoPlus.
Boaz Jacobi, Director of Product Management for PolyJet consumables, said: "By introducing Endur Digital Materials, we are giving customers more flexibility and versatility to 3D print durable prototypes. It's a superior PolyJet solution for living-hinge and snap-fit applications."
Launched in 2014, Endur is an advanced simulated polypropylene material for use with the Objet EdenV, Objet EdenVS, Objet Connex systems, Objet30 Prime and Objet 30Pro 3D Printers. Endur offers prototyping benefits to a wide range of manufacturers in the consumer goods, household appliances, automotive parts, consumer electronics and lab equipment industries. Endur Digital Materials, available for Objet Connex 3D Printers, can produce thin walls, living hinges, snap-fits and moving or assembled parts. Examples include containers, CD cases, gaskets, shoe soles or handles.