We’ve bought one thing new for anybody pushing the bounds 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 thought 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 possibly can truly see by.
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 robust practical thermoplastic elements. Excellent for prototypes. Even higher for short-run manufacturing.
SAF™ Polypropylene (PP)
Light-weight. Versatile. Chemically powerful.
Polypropylene has been a workhorse materials for many years and now you possibly can print it instantly with SAF. It resists fatigue, shrugs off chemical compounds and handles snap suits and dwelling hinges with ease.
Use it for: automotive parts, packaging, housings, industrial elements.
SAF™ Nylon 11 (PA11)
Versatile. Robust. Renewable.
Made out of castor beans, PA11 delivers excessive ductility, impression resistance and isotropic energy. It’s powerful sufficient for demanding use and sustainable sufficient to be ok with utilizing.
Use it for: drone elements, protecting gear, sports activities tools, automotive clips.
What about SLA?
Stereolithography (SLA) cures liquid resin with a UV laser to create exact elements with easy surfaces and superb element. If SAF is all about energy and performance, SLA is about accuracy and polish.
Somos® Watershed Black
Easy. Inflexible. Seems to be sharp.
This matte black resin makes elements that don’t simply carry out, they appear completed proper off the printer. Minimal post-processing, most presentation worth.
Use it for: shopper electronics, snap-fit casings, visible prototypes.
Somos® Watershed XC 11122
Clear. Sturdy. Versatile.
Want transparency? XC delivers water-clear elements after sprucing, with mechanical properties much like ABS. Excellent for displaying fluid circulation, gentle paths or simply getting a clear take 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 at all times 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