Royal DSM, a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials, announces the collaboration between Somos® and Protolabs Network which provides an online service for customers to obtain accurate 3D printed tooling or molds with quick turn-around time using Somos® PerFORM.
Protolabs Network is an online platform that operates a global network to provide customers access to local and specialized manufacturing services. They aim to bring the latest and most beneficial materials to engineers around the world. Through their platform, Protolabs Network has obtained a network of global certified service providers that are skilled in rapid tooling and provide 3D printed tools or molds made with the leading material for this application, Somos® PerFORM. Customers can now submit a quote for a 3D printed tool through the Protolabs Network's website and will have a reply within twenty-four hours.
Now more than ever, engineers are turning to 3D printed tooling to replace traditional machined techniques for the benefits that it brings in terms of reduction production time and cost. Tools can be created with this technique using Somos® PerFORM in just a few days compared to weeks. This means that product designs and modifications can be tested and verified quickly ultimately leading to faster time to market. Molds created with Somos® PerFORM have a high level of surface smoothness and detail along with high heat resistance and impact strength. This combination of properties allows for the development of complex molds for various applications and the ability to injection mold with multiple materials including polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, ABS and glass filled nylon.
We are excited to collaborate with Protolabs Network to offer the market a place where they can obtain high quality 3D printed tools and service. We work closely with Protolabs Network to verify the 3D printing tooling service providers in their network to ensure that the quality and expertise for creating the tooling is top notch. Brigitte Jacobs, Application Development Manager for Somos®
The collaboration with Somos® on 3D printed tooling further expands our network of manufacturing services and product offering. We are always targeting to offer our customers cutting edge materials and service. Adding Somos® PerFORM to our portfolio expands what our customers can do and allows them to create high quality 3D printed tools. Bram de Zwart, CEO Protolabs Network
You can order 3D printed tooling via Protolabs Network Managed Services with this form here and the option 3D printed molds. Protolabs Network has released this article to help you learn more about the technical design considerations and molds configurations.
