3D printing service Stratasys Direct Manufacturing has announced that it will be making its selective laser sintering (SLS) products available through global manufacturing marketplace Xometry.
Four new high-performance nylon material options will be offered through the platform. In addition, Xometry customers will also be able to access Stratasys Direct’s SLS 3D printing technologies, which were automatically made available through their network following the announcement. This signals a strategic move by Stratasys as it branches out of its core 3D printing offerings of fused deposition modeling and inkjet-based printing and moves into broader markets.
The four new materials all share similar characteristics of lower strain and higher flexibility. These include Nylon 11 EX, Nylon 12 CF, Nylon 12 AF, and Nylon 12 HST.
Nylon 11 EX is a tough and flexible material that is ideal for ductwork, thin-walled components, and snap-fit designs. Besides being impact-resistant, it also meets USP Class VI biocompatibility testing requirements. This means it can be used for medical devices. Meanwhile, Nylon 12 CF is a stiffer and more high-strength material composed of carbon fiber. This makes it resistant to high temperatures and aggressive wear and tear. It’s ideal for high-performance applications, such as vehicle underhood components, sports equipment, wind model testing, rapid tooling, and drone parts.
Nylon 12 AF possesses an aluminum filling that provides a strong and stiff material with good thermal conductivity that is best suited for functional components, jigs and fixtures, and metallic prototypes. Nylon 11 HST is a mineral fiber material that remains stiff even under high temperatures. This makes it a good material for structural components in houses and enclosures, load-bearing parts, motorsports, and aerospace applications.
Prior to the partnership with Stratasys Direct, Nylon 12 and Nylon 12 Glass-Filled (GF) were the only available SLS nylon materials at Xometry. Nylon 12 is known for its stiffness and chemical-resistant properties. While Nylon 12 GF shares similarities, it offers more stiffness.
According to a Stratasys press release, the decision to join Xometry’s marketplace is part of the company’s continued efforts to make 3D printing solutions and materials more accessible to manufacturers around the world. As additive manufacturing becomes increasingly relevant in a rapidly accelerating market, so does the demand for advanced technologies.
Xometry has also expressed its enthusiasm over the collaboration with Stratasys and expects to further “lead the charge for the democratization of 3D printing and other manufacturing solutions,” according to CEO Randy Altschuler. Xometry is currently the largest marketplace for custom manufacturing, with its network of over 5,000 suppliers offering CNC machining, 3D printing, and injection molding materials and equipment.
Stratasys has also recently acquired digital light processing startup Origin and stereolithography startup RPS. The company is currently exploring research in metal 3D printing.
For more information on the four new nylon products, visit https://www.xometry.com/blog/product-update-high-performance-sls-materials/.