Formlabs launches 3 new engineering resins for the Formlabs Form 2

Last week, Formlabs launched three new 3D printing materials called engineering resins for the Formlabs Form 2 SLA desktop 3D printer.

Whether developing surgical assist devices or using algorithmic folding to create the longest 3D printed chain, Formlabs users are at the forefront of solving complex engineering challenges with desktop 3D printing.

That’s why Formlabs proudly announced last week that it has developed a comprehensive range of engineering resins. These include the new Durable (polypropylene-like), the improved Tough, and the High Temp (heat resistant) Resin, as well as the existing Flexible Resin.

Discover the new engineering resins

Formlabs Engineering Resins simulate a wide range of injection molded plastics. As a result, Formlabs 3D printing materials cover many material properties that are relevant for successful conceptualization, prototyping, testing and manufacturing of final products. And you can do it all with your Formlabs Form 2 desktop 3D printer from your office/studio.

Tough Resin: Stress and elongation resistance like ABS

ABS is a thermoplastic polymer whose tough, unbreakable properties and stress & strain resistance have made it popular for functional prototyping or for items such as closures for consumer products, automotive trim parts and household items. As with ABS, Tough Resin balances strength and ductility. Thus, parts made of Tough Resin absorb energy and begin to bend before they break or shatter.

Tough Resin is more impact resistant than normal 3D printed parts, making it perfect for snap-fits, assemblies and robust prototypes. Use it for parts that need to be unbreakable, resilient and highly precise.

Durable resin / polypropylene-like synthetic resin: low stiffness and a surface finish like polypropylene (PP)

Another thermoplastic polymer, polypropylene (PP) is widely used due to its low modulus and high impact strength. Prolypropylene (PP) is used for example in the manufacture of bumpers, bending hinges, plastic chairs and food packaging. Like polypropylene, the new Durable Resin from Formlabs can be bent without breaking and the surface is as fine and glossy as everyday plastic.

This 3D printing material is suitable for prototyping consumer products, packaging and low-friction, low-wear moving parts. Use this abrasion resistant, pliable material for parts where breakage would be the worst possible scenario, or for components that are bent repeatedly or regularly.

Durable Resin / Polypropylene (PP) like plastic will be available from January/February. However, it can already be pre-ordered from us here.

High Temp Resin / Heat Resistant Resin: The highest HDT @ 0.45 MPa on the market

The new High Temp Resin has an HDT of 289 ºC at 0.45 MPa – the highest HDT on the 3D printing materials market. This material is excellent for stress-free components that are exposed to high temperatures.

High Temp Resin / Heat Resistant Resin is perfect for testing the flow of hot air or hot liquids, stress-free applications and production processes such as casting or thermoforming.

Mold making with desktop 3D printers allows engineers and designers to use other features of their 3D printer in addition to prototyping. Contact us to receive the Formlabs publication on “Moldmaking with 3D Printers: Techniques for Prototyping and Production”. This includes the topics injection molding, thermoforming & casting with elastomers.

Flexible resin: Grippy and compressible

Components made with flexible resin can be bent and pressed together. They are also excellent for simulating soft touch materials. Flexible resin is useful for parts that need to be bendable over a long period of time. Flexible Resin can be used to simulate a durometer rubber of Shore hardness 80A. This flexible 3D printing material is suitable for prototyping handles and overmolding, padding, cushioning or wearables.

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