Vienna, September 1, 2021. 3D printing company Cubicure GmbH is launching a new photopolymer with properties similar to the all-rounder polymer ABS. Evolution HI is printed via the Hot Lithography process. It is particularly suited for the production of snap-fits, fittings, and housing components.
High-impact polymer for additive manufacturing
Cubicure’s patented Hot Lithography technology enables the processing of highly viscous resins. Using a special heating and coating mechanism, particularly tough and temperature-resistant polymers can be produced.
Das neue Evolution HI ist nicht nur besonders belastbar, sondern auch höchst duktil und dabei wärmeformbeständig. „Ein Dauereinsatz ist bei Temperaturen bis zu 80 °C möglich“, sagt Christian Frank, Leiter der Produktentwicklung bei Cubicure. „Seine mechanischen Eigenschaften übertreffen ABS teilweise sogar. Evolution HI hat außergewöhnlich gute Zugeigenschaften, und die Zähigkeit sucht im 3D-Druck seinesgleichen.“ Bei Prüfungen erreicht es eine Bruchdehnung von bis zu 50 %. Das bedeutet, dass mit Evolution HI Endprodukte und Bauteile additiv gefertigt werden können, die wiederholten Belastungen standhalten müssen. Das macht dieses Material zu einer echten Alternative zu ABS.
Evolution HI is a versatile material
Until now, printing snap-fits with photopolymers was a struggle. The results were too brittle and changed their properties when exposed to light. A pity, because snap-fits can really benefit from additive manufacturing: tedious design processes are shortened, and questions of feasibility become insignificant. The digital process chain of the future gives free rein to the construction of complex geometries. With Evolution HI, prototypes can be made from the exact same material that is later used for serial mass production.
Currently, the Caligma 200, which uses Hot Lithography printing technology, can make use of a building platform measuring 200 cm2. This makes Evolution HI suitable for prototypes and small-lot additive manufacturing. The next step toward industrial serial production can be expected by the end of this year. Cubicure will then bring a machine to market which is capable of mass-producing additive parts.
Cubicure GmbH develops, produces and distributes industrial 3D printing solutions for polymer parts. With roots in academia and the ambition to help shape the digital future of manufacturing, this Vienna-based company has been setting the course for agile production since 2015. Their Hot Lithography process enables the unprecedented additive manufacturing of resilient high-precision components.
