German 3D printer manufacturer Rapid Shape and consumer-products and specialty-chemicals conglomerate Henkel have announced a new partnership. Both companies will be cooperating to create new 3D printing applications for a variety of industries.
The companies will test and evaluate new materials on Rapid Shape’s 3D printers, most prominently the 130+ DLP printer. The collaboration will allow Rapid Shape to certify Henkel’s materials for use on its open printer systems. Rapid Shape develops technologies specifically for industries including dental, jewelry, industrial goods and hearing aid production. This is a natural fit for Henkel, who also cater to a plethora of industries.
We aim to further expand our open materials approach and are excited to welcome Rapid Shape as a technology partner for our high-performance materials. Together we aim to further develop, evaluate and drive 3D printing solutions tailor-made for applicationsin the mass production of additive manufacturing across industries. Philipp Loosen, Head of 3D Printing at Henkel
Qualifying Materials
Currently, both companies have done preliminary tests for Henkel’s materials on Rapid Shapes’ 130+ 3D printer, including the Loctite 3D 3820 ultra-clear resin. This particular material gives customers in the health industries access to transparent, high-performance prints for use in visual flow inspection, covers and lenses.
Henkel has been active in developing new materials for additive manufacturing even outside of this partnership. They developed a new fire-resistant photopolymer in partnership with Californian 3D printing startup Origin earlier this year.
Featured image courtesy of Henkel and Rapid Shape.