We’ve received one thing new for anybody pushing the boundaries of what they obtain with 3D printing. Shapeways has added 4 professional-grade supplies to our self-serve platform, giving designers, engineers and innovators extra methods to maneuver from concept to half.
- SAF™ Polypropylene (PP)
- SAF™ Nylon 11 (PA11)
- Somos® Watershed Black
- Somos® Watershed XC 11122
These aren’t simply incremental updates — they open up actual choices whether or not you’re constructing versatile hinges, rugged end-use elements or a transparent prototype you’ll be able to truly see via.
A fast primer — what’s SAF?
Selective Absorption Fusion (SAF™) is a powder-based course of that makes use of infrared vitality to fuse layers collectively. Consider it as a wise, scalable method to produce sturdy practical thermoplastic elements. Excellent for prototypes. Even higher for short-run manufacturing.
SAF™ Polypropylene (PP)
Light-weight. Versatile. Chemically robust.
Polypropylene has been a workhorse materials for many years and now you’ll be able to print it immediately with SAF. It resists fatigue, shrugs off chemical compounds and handles snap matches and residing hinges with ease.
Use it for: automotive parts, packaging, housings, industrial elements.
SAF™ Nylon 11 (PA11)
Versatile. Powerful. Renewable.
Produced from castor beans, PA11 delivers excessive ductility, affect resistance and isotropic power. It’s robust sufficient for demanding use and sustainable sufficient to be ok with utilizing.
Use it for: drone elements, protecting gear, sports activities gear, automotive clips.
What about SLA?
Stereolithography (SLA) cures liquid resin with a UV laser to create exact elements with easy surfaces and wonderful element. If SAF is all about power and performance, SLA is about accuracy and polish.
Somos® Watershed Black
Easy. Inflexible. Appears to be like sharp.
This matte black resin makes elements that don’t simply carry out, they give the impression of being completed proper off the printer. Minimal post-processing, most presentation worth.
Use it for: client electronics, snap-fit casings, visible prototypes.
Somos® Watershed XC 11122
Clear. Robust. Versatile.
Want transparency? XC delivers water-clear elements after sharpening, with mechanical properties much like ABS. Excellent for displaying fluid move, gentle paths or simply getting a clear have a look at your design.
Use it for: lenses, gentle guides, medical fashions, fluidic prototypes.
Getting began is straightforward
Add your mannequin, choose your materials, place your order. Self-serve provides you full management — no back-and-forth, no gatekeeping. Simply sooner paths from design to half.
What’s subsequent?
We’re not stopping right here. New supplies and processes are all the time within the pipeline as a result of your tasks hold demanding extra.
Need to be the primary to know? Subscribe to our publication and verify the Supplies Hub to see what’s already ready for you