The use of 3D printing across industries continues to rise, in part thanks to collaborations that have resulted in new materials, techniques and methods. Nexa3D and Henkel have joined the ranks of other innovators with the launch of three new high-performing polymers.
Henkel, which is no stranger to collaborations focused on taking 3D printing to new levels, has been working with Nexa3D since early 2020. In that time, the two have released xMed412, a medical-grade polypropylene-like 3D printing material, and xPRO410, a multipurpose photopolymer for rapid prototyping. The three latest photopolymers offer a durable solution for high-performance prototyping for use with the NXE400 3D printer.
These developments came about with the goal to boost mass production capabilities for any industry, offering enhanced options for 3D printing a greater range of items from shoes to housings to packaging and much more.
“We are pleased to further expand our partnership with Nexa3D as Loctite’s portfolio of photo-plastic and photo-elastic materials are well-matched for the higher throughput of the NXE400 3D printer,” said Ken Kisner, Henkel’s head of innovation for 3D printing. “The Nexa3D team has continued to deliver robust 3D-printing solutions, and together we look forward to continuing to deliver an expanded portfolio of production tools, materials, and the validated workflows that the industry requires to realize the full potential of additive production.”
xPP405-BLACK
This semirigid material has high-impact resistance and performs similar to unfilled propylene. It is tough yet has a sleek industrial black finish and boasts 130 percent tensile elongation at failure. It is especially suitable for manufacturing and engineering, such as creating housings, enclosures, piping or packaging.
xPP405-CLEAR
While a black surface may be fine, having a clear option is beneficial in many situations, such as 3D printing bottles, pipes, packaging, products that need to include lighting applications, or custom projects. xPP405-CLEAR provides a see-through alternative with the durability and toughness needed. Along with having a high-impact resistance, it offers a heat deflection temperature between 50°C and 60°C. It also has 130 percent tensile elongation at failure.
xPEEK147-BLACK
When toughness and a good surface finish are needed for tooling or molding applications, the xPEEK147-BLACK may be the ideal choice. Designed more for end-use parts, including those in the automotive sector, xPEEK147-BLACK is temperature resistant up to 230°C. According to Nexa3D, it has a high stiffness and provides long-term thermal stability with good solvent resistance and dimensional stability.
Whether just starting to delve into 3D printing or looking for new solutions, the partnership between Nexa3D and Henkel brings more options to the table.
“We believe that our rapidly expanding collaboration with Henkel, now spanning six Loctite materials, coupled with our demonstrated productivity gains achieved by our ultrafast NXE400 3D printer and up to 85 percent lower total cost of ownership, delivers higher productivity, better extended life functionality and exceptional economics,” said Kevin McAlea, Nexa3D CEO. “Both companies are committed to democratizing access to scalable additive polymer solutions empowering customers to own their supply chain throughout their entire product life cycle from design to production and aftermarket success.”
Interested in other 3D printing innovations? Check out Xolography—The Latest Innovation in 3D Printing and Is FROMP the Next Cost-Saving Thermoset Polymer Curing Strategy?