High-performance photopolymers are viscous. In order to process them, they must be heated. Hot lithography uses precisely this process and is therefore the key to new, highly resistant plastic components with a wide range of properties. The patented technology of the Austrian company Cubicure requires no or only simplified post-processing of the surfaces and thus accelerates the market launch of new products.
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Hot Lithography Multiple materials for a wide range of applications
Materials
Specially developed high-viscosity resins are processed in hot lithography. The material portfolio enables high-precision, temperature-resistant, impact-resistant, halogen-free, elastic and flame-retardant plastic parts. Seven materials are currently available from the technology provider. Unlike other 3D printing technologies, the high-quality components require no or only simplified surface finishing and can therefore be used quickly as components. Even after printing, the quality is similar to injection molding. There are no limits to the number of pieces. With the right geometry, the process is the ideal solution - as current projects show - even for quantities in the millions.
Cubicures Evolution is a methacrylate-based photopolymer that makes full use of the possibilities of hot lithography process technology. With a carefully balanced mix of strength, toughness, rigidity and temperature resistance, the material is the perfect all-rounder for a wide range of design tasks and product applications. In its basic version, Evolution enables the production of gray to black components and also shows perfect adhesion to metals, glass and various plastics.
Snap-on connections, fittings and housings are printed in no time at all with Evolution HI (High Impact). Thanks to its high impact resistance, components and objects made from Evolution HI absorb a lot of energy. This means that this material is particularly suitable for robust printed products that have to withstand a lot in everyday use. Even connections that are repeatedly opened and closed can be additively manufactured in this way.
Cubicure Evolution FR (Flame-Retardant) is a material for the production of flame-retardant end components and fully functional prototypes in component and product development. This halogen-free plastic was the first stereolithography material to pass the UL 94 V-0 flammability test, making Evolution FR the first light-curing additive manufacturing material for connectors and electronic components.
Cubicures Precision is the material of choice for the production of mini and micro components. This transparent photopolymer utilizes the laser precision of hot lithography systems for the additive manufacturing of high-resolution components. Precision thus enables the economical production of components from classic micro injection molding.
With ThermoBlast, Cubicure has succeeded for the first time in developing a material for 3D-printed components that can withstand ambient conditions of up to 300 °C for short periods. This photopolymer also sets new standards in terms of flame resistance: ThermoBlast passes a UL 94 V-0 test with a wall thickness of just 0.45 mm. Outstanding electrical insulator properties and low outgassing at high temperatures make ThermoBlast a reliable solution for numerous industrial applications.
Revolutionize your connectors with this high-performance plastic. Thanks to hot lithography, your functional prototype will be ready for series production within a very short time. Connection FR (flame retardant) passes flammability tests in accordance with UL 94 V-0 with wall thicknesses of up to 1.5 mm and is suitable for the production of connectors with flexible parts. The material is also used in other areas of electronics, for example in the production of housings.
| Description | Evolution | Evolution HI | Evolution FR | Precision | ThermoBlast | Connection FR | Evolution FL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Mix of strength, toughness, rigidity and temperature resistance | especially for robust print products | Halogen-free, flame-retardant plastic | Transparent photopolymer for high-resolution components | Very high strength, flame resistance and heat resistance | Flame-resistant photopolymer | For elastic components such as handles, seals, damping, upholstery |
| Tensile strength [MPa] | 46 | 53 | 34 | 68 | 90 | 47 | 10 |
| E-modulus [MPa] | 2000 | 2150 | 1250 | 2700 | 5000 | 2700 | 42 |
| Impact strength [kJ/m²] | 25 | 72 | 28 | 11 | 21 | ||
| Elongation at break [%] | 16 | 35 | 17 | 7 | 2,4 | 5 | 200 |
| HDT A [°C] HDT B [°C] HDT C [°C] | 59 82 | 59 80 | 52 76 | 66 90 | 270 >300 142 | 80 118 | |
| Flammability | UL 94 HB (1 mm) | UL 94 HB (1 mm) | UL 94 V-0 (3 mm) | UL 94 HB (1 mm) | UL 94 V-0 (0,45 mm) | UL 94 V-0 (1,5 mm) | |
| Shore hardness D Shore hardness A | 80 | 82 | 77 | 86 | 90 | 85 |
