polySpectra and Tethon 3D Launch ThOR 10 glass-filled composite cyclic olefin resin
Targeting idustrial additive manufacturing with increasingly advanced materials
PolySpectra and Tethon 3D jointly introduced the new materials ThOR 10, the first in a series of high-performance composite photopolymers, at the Rapid + TCT show. This collaborative development pushes the performance of polySpectra’s rugged Cyclic Olefin Resins even further, unlocking new opportunities for production additive manufacturing.
“We couldn’t think of better collaborators than Tethon to launch polySpectra’s first composite photopolymer resin, ThOR 10” said polySpectra Founder and CEO Raymond Weitekamp, PhD. “Glass-filled polymers are an incredibly important category of engineering materials for many industries, and we’re excited to bring this new level of thermomechanical performance to resin 3D printing.”
Glass-filled polymers are widely used in demanding aerospace, transportation, defense, and electronics engineering sectors. ThOR 10, the first in a new series of high-performance composite photopolymers, enables a range of advanced applications, including the production of end-use parts such as gears and impellers, tooling inserts for molding, electronics enclosures, and brackets, mounts, and housings designed for high-temperature environments. It is also ideal for creating fluidic manifolds that require strong chemical resistance and can replace traditional glass-filled thermoplastics like glass-filled nylon, PEEK, or PBT.
COR—Cyclic Olefin Resin—materials offer a suite of rugged capabilities unique in the 3D printing industry. Historically, resin-based 3D printing has been plagued by issues of brittleness, holding this technology suite back from real-world end-user acceptance. With proven flagship technologies compatible with both industrial and, more recently, desktop DLP/LCD 3D printers, COR materials bring additive manufacturing to true production quality.
ThOR 10 incorporates an advanced glass filler from Tethon 3D, a market leader in the 3D printing of high-performance ceramics. The resulting composite shows significantly improved impact strength and stiffness compared to the base resin. The technical datasheet is available at this link.
A standout feature of ThOR 10 is its powerful combination of mechanical robustness and thermal endurance. It achieves substantial toughness, demonstrated by a Notched Izod impact strength of 55 J/m and an impressive elongation at break exceeding 20%, allowing parts to absorb energy without fracturing easily. Crucially, this durability is maintained at elevated operating temperatures thanks to a high Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) of 131°C. This unique trifecta makes ThOR 10 exceptionally well-suited for functional components facing both mechanical stresses and heat.
