Where Innovation and Technology Merge
News & Events
- Laser Reproductions Acquires 18920 Grey Resin 10/20/08
- Laser Reproductions Contracted by Elmer’s® for Prototypes 06/09/08
- Laser Reproductions made the Inc. 5000 List of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in America.
laser's edge / In this issue:
Laser Reproductions Adds Black Parts to its Material Line
Laser Reproductions is proud to announce its newest stereolithography (SLA) resin, RenShape® SL 7820...
The Quality of Metal from Stereolithography
Stereolithography (SLA) can be used to create limited-production parts with exceptional rigidity and high-temperature resistance, quickly and accurately. However, SLA-generated parts do not traditionally have the same durability as metal ones, or provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Thus, until now, time-consuming and expensive machining or casting processes have been the only options for low volume production of metal parts.
DMS Somos® recently announced a unique process that marries SLA with advanced nickel-plating technologies. This new process combines the excellent physical properties of DSM Somos ® NanoTool™, and other SLA resins, with electromagnetic characteristics of nickel-plate to provide durable parts that perform like metal, without costly and time-consuming machining. These Metal Clad Composite (MC2) parts are useful for prototyping and testing, and are ideal for cost-effective, low-volume production.
In MC2 process the surfaces of SLA-generated parts are ionized using a proprietary solution and copper is applied. The copper is necessary for the nickel layer to bond to the part, which is applied to a thickness specific to each design. The result is a final product that is significantly more durable than standard SLA parts and provides EMI-shielding equal to machined parts.
Though the cost of metal-plated SLA parts is greater than non-plated ones, MC2 parts can be three-to-four times less expensive to produce than those created using machining or casting. In addition, production time for MC2 parts can be as little as one week.
Laser Reproductions is pleased to have been chosen as one of only three companies in the world to partner with DSM Somos® to offer the licensed MC2 process for rapid prototyping and low volume production.
Laser Reproductions has an extensive variety of processes and a vast range of materials to accomplish your rapid prototyping, manufacturing or product development goals Call 614.552.6905 to learn more.
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