DSM Somos, leading technology innovators in the rapid prototyping (RP) materials industry, will be launching a new family of ProtoFunctional stereolithography resins at EuroMold in Frankfurt.

DSM Somos, leading technology innovators in the rapid prototyping (RP) materials industry, will be present at the euromold fair in Frankfurt, Germany (November 28th - December 1st 2001; Hall 9.1, Stand G49) with its newest lines of pioneering products. In occasion of the fair, DSM Somos(R) will also be announcing the launch of a new family of ProtoFunctional stereolithography resins. The new product launch represents industry demanded technologies that were first discussed during the DSM Somos Technology Focus 2000, and is the second line of materials from this event to be made commercially available this year.

Among the high-tech materials on display at the stand, will be Somos 10120 WaterClear.

Recently launched in August 2001, this optically clear resin from DSM Somos signifies a major industry advancement in responding to customer needs and permits the use of stereolithography technologies in an increasing range of applications.

The new product launch to be announced at EuroMold and the range of ProtoFunctional materials on display is evidence of the vast know-how encompassed within DSM Somos.

These innovative technologies further distinguish the company in its goal towards the development and advancement of materials that will facilitate the transition of rapid prototyping into rapid manufacturing.

Also taking place at the DSM Somos stand will be the announcement (Thursday, November 29, 15.00h) of the winning design of the ATI (Accelerated Technologies Inc - Texas, USA) sponsored WaterClear design competition.

This international contest showcases the design opportunities offered by the world's first optically clear stereolithography resin.

The judging criteria for the designer submitted projects were: uniqueness and interest of the application of WaterClear, visual interest and impact, originality, complexity and sophistication of design, functional use of WaterClear.

The jury of the ATI WaterClear design contest consisted of: Terry Wohlers - president, Wohlers Associates.

Jeffrey Rowe - contributing editor, 'MCADCafe.com'.

Jean Hoffman - associate editor, 'Machine Design'.

Pat Toensmeier - editor-in-chief, 'Modern Plastics'.

Jim Reitz - business manager, DSM Somos.

Mike Durham - general manager, Accelerated Technologies.

Further details on the award ceremony will be made available shortly before the fair and the winner will be available to answer questions.

In a separate Euromold event, one of the WaterClear contest conference judges, Terry Wohlers, will be co-hosting a conference called: New Developments and Trends in RP Around the World.

The event brings to focus best practices, advances, and trends in rapid prototyping (RP), rapid tooling (RT), and rapid manufacturing (RM).

The conference will bring together a group of world-class speakers to address the most important issues associated with the present and future of RP and related technologies and applications.

What is stereolithography?

Stereolithography is a layer additive rapid-prototyping process based on the use of photopolymer liquid resins which solidify when exposed to UV light.

A software program transfers the designer's 3-D CAD model into an electronic file for stereolithography machines ('STL' format), composing the information into thin cross sections or layers.

A laser beam then traces each layer onto the surface of a vat of photopolymer resin, building the part in repeated layers until a solid replica of the original CAD model is completed.

DSM Somos) ProtoFunctiona) resins designed for stereolithography.

DSM Somos ProtoFunctional resins range from the industry's first transparent, tough and durable resins (Somos 10100 WaterClear series) to flexible resins for material properties similar to polyethylene (Somos(R) 8100 series) or polypropylene (Somos 9100 series) to the latest generation of heat-resistant, humidity-tolerant, high-accuracy epoxy resins suitable for investment casting and direct tooling applications (Somos 7100 series).

Each family of Somos photopolymer epoxy resins is comprised of materials singularly formulated and optimised for the variety of stereolithography platforms commercially available: Somos XX'00' resins are for use in Argon ion laser systems; Somos XX'10' for helium cadmium laser systems; Somos XX'20' resins for platforms utilising Solid State laser systems.

DSM Somos also offers materials for selective laser sintering and is the first manufacturer of powder elastomeric polymer (Somos 201) that can be sintered to produce highly flexible parts with 'rubber like' characteristics.

Product data sheets for DSM Somos resins are available on the company web site www.dsmsomos.com, under 'Downloads, Product Data Sheets'.

DSM Somos (Delaware, USA), focused on innovative rapid prototyping materials, is a business unit of DSM Desotech, world leaders in the creation of UV curable materials.

DSM is a highly integrated group of companies with worldwide interests in life-science products, performance materials and chemicals.