Rapid Shape joins Henkel’s open materials platform
German DLP 3D printer manufacturer Rapid Shape has entered into a partnership with materials company Henkel in order to accelerate the mass production of 3D printed functional parts. As part of the agreement, Rapid Shape has become the latest member of Henkel’s open materials platform and will work to certify materials for its DLP 3D printing systems. Henkel, for its part, will integrate Rapid Shape’s technology into its AM ecosystem.
To date, Rapid Shape and Henkel have already tested a range of high-performance materials using Rapid Shape’s I30+ 3D printers. The aim is to offer users a broad and comprehensive choice of high-performance materials in order to unlock mass production applications in industries like the medical sector, among others.
For instance, Henkel’s Loctite 3D 3820 ultra-clear resin is suitable for producing transparent parts for visual flow inspection, lenses, covers and other parts for the medical or industrial sectors.
“We aim to further expand our open materials approach and are excited to welcome Rapid Shape as technology partner for our high-performance materials,” commented Philipp Loosen, Head of 3D Printing at Henkel. “Together we aim to further develop, evaluate and drive 3D printing solutions tailor-made for applications in the mass production of additive manufacturing across industries. Loctite 3D 3820 demonstrates the power of our open materials platform. We provide customers with the flexibility to choose the right material for their needed application and to work on the right printers within Henkel’s ecosystem such as the I30+ from Rapid Shape.”
Rapid Shape’s DLP 3D printing technology is based on its patented Force Feedback DLP process that offers good print speed and quality thanks to a reduction of separation forces. The company’s additive technology has been adopted in various industries but has notably become a key platform for high-end dental labs and the medical sector.
“Our printers run in many centralized additive production centers for medical products,” explained Andreas Schultheiss, CEO of Rapid Shape. “This prior experience has prepared us for the technical requirements of the industrial sector. The continuing development of materials and printers has opened the door for new opportunities across industries. By collaborating with Henkel, we believe that we can create significant value for customers searching for a high-performance combination of material and machine solutions.”
Henkel first launched its open materials platform in May 2019 with the aim of working directly with 3D printer manufacturers to qualify new materials for the various AM platforms on the market. Recently, Henkel launched a new material for use on Origin’s 3D printers: a 3D printable photopolymer material with fire, smoke and toxicity resistance properties.
Both Henkel and Rapid Shape will be represented this week at Formnext at booth C41 in hall 12.1 and booth A11 in Hall 11.1, respectively.
