GELEEN, Netherlands—Royal DSM, a science-based sustainable living company, is partnering with polymer resin supplier Adaptive3D to produce, distribute and sell Soft ToughRubber, a new, 3D-printable photopolymer.
According to DSM, Soft ToughRubber allows manufacturers to explore applications in anatomical medical models, as well as in consumer goods such as audio earbuds and footwear.
Soft ToughRubber combines the feel and mechanical properties of silicone with the resolution and surface finish that Adaptive3D's patented Digital Light Processing provides, DSM said.
"Aside from new applications in consumer products and medical models, Soft ToughRubber adds to the available materials for manufacturers looking for sustainable options" Walter Voit, founder and CEO of Adaptive3D Technologies said in the news release. "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."
DSM invested in Adaptive3D early in 2019, according to a DSM press release.
"The partnership will guarantee the availability of the new material in production volumes worldwide," DSM said.
DSM and Adaptive3D will showcase Soft ToughRubber at the RAPID+TCT additive manufacturing conference in Detroit, according to DSM.