DSM unveils two high-performance materials for 3D printing structural parts

DSM, a global purpose-led science-based company today announced two major product launches — PerFORM Reflect and Arnitel ID2060 HT — that will help accelerate adoption of 3D printing into mainstream production.

With Somos PerFORM Reflect, DSM once again demonstrates its leadership in high-performing materials for additive manufacturing. Based on DSM’s Somos PerFORM, the new PerFORM Reflect will set new standards for 3D printing materials for PIV wind tunnel testing, by drastically reducing the need for post-processing of 3D printed parts.

With its new thermoplastic copolyester Arnitel ID2060 HT, DSM offers new possibilities for automotive manufacturers who are looking to 3D print structural parts that can perform in some of the most harsh circumstances. Arnitel ID2060 HT is the first 3D printing material to offer a unique balance of flexibility, chemical resistance against EGR and prolonged high temperature resistance, making it ideal for demanding automotive and industrial applications.

“With these two exciting product launches, we see our strategy of focusing on the applications bear fruit: it is through a thorough understanding of the challenges and processes of our customers that we can continue to deliver valuable innovations,” said Hugo da Silva, Vice president of Additive Manufacturing at DSM. “We look forward to discussing the ever-expanding potential of additive manufacturing with customers and ecosystem partners at this year’s Formnext.”

DSM breaks speed records for wind tunnel testing with Somos PerFORM Reflect

With the launch of Somos PerFORM Reflect, DSM is bringing to market a groundbreaking new stereolithography material for wind tunnel testing with PIV (Particle Imaging Velocimetry). By eliminating the need to apply PIV coatings to the printed parts, Somos PerFORM Reflect saves more than 30% post treatment.

Somos PerFORM Reflect is a new DSM stereolithography material developed specifically for 3D printing parts for wind tunnel testing with PIV (particle imaging velocimetry).

Faster design iterations

In Formula One, typically a car body is printed at 60% of its normal size for simulation purposes and checked with particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) in critical areas. On parts printed with Somos PerFORM Reflect, manufacturers can eliminate the step of applying PIV coatings.

This allows customers to reduce post processing of the parts by more than 30%, thus enabling them to collect data faster, decrease overall lead time per design iteration and conduct iterations faster.

Setting new speed records and industry standards

“Speed is crucial, whether in automotive, aerospace or other transportation design. Eliminating the need to apply PIV coatings is a major breakthrough for customers who are using PIV wind tunnel testing. It allows them to speed up their aerodynamic design optimizations,” said da Silva. “We are thrilled that our strategy of focusing on helping customers create their applications have enabled us to deliver such tremendous value. Overnight, Somos PerFORM Reflect will not just set new speed records but new industry standards.”

Somos PerFORM Reflect utilizes new patented technology that allows for reducing and even eliminating much of the finishing work required with traditional materials. Based on DSM’s industry standard Somos PerFORM, the new resin demonstrates all the performance attributes that customers rely on such as low viscosity, low settling, fast processing and high stiffness and heat resistance.

Arnitel ID2060 HT to allow 3D printing of end-use parts for automotive and industrial applications

Arnitel ID2060 HT is DSM’s new high-performance Thermoplastic Copolyester (TPC) for 3D printing using FFF. This filament is the first to offer a unique balance of flexibility, chemical resistance against exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) condensate and prolonged high temperature resistance. This balance of properties makes the filament ideally suited for printing demanding automotive air-fuel and industrial applications.

Arnitel ID2060 HT is the first high performance TPC FFF material combining flexibility with prolonged high temperature use, chemical resistance and strength. Parts printed can resist sustained high temperatures of 175° C (1000 hours) or 190°C (500 hours) and chemicals such as EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) condensate.

These properties make Arnitel ID2060 HT suitable for under the hood applications and components for end-of-arm tooling, such as air-fuel management systems, engine shields and covers for automotive. It allows manufacturers to replace aluminium and rubber for light weighting applications under the hood.

“With Arnitel ID2060 HT, DSM brings another first to the market in the growing FFF segment,” added da Silva. “With this high performance material, manufacturers can now integrate 3D printing in their production process for end-use parts which must perform in some of the most demanding environments. We are very excited to deliver on the 3D printing industry’s promise of moving additive manufacturing from the prototyping and design environment to the factory floor.”

Tests and sales

DSM Additive Manufacturing collaborated with equipment partners to extensively test Arnitel ID2060 HT, offering customers fully proven materials for open 3D printing platforms. Tests have been conducted on Massportal, Ultimaker and GermanRepRap FFF printers.

Arnitel ID 2060 HT is available in spools of 1.75 and 2.85 mm at DSM AM distributors and resellers.