3T RPD has recently introduced a new material into its SLS production.  The material, known as Somos 201, produces a flexible rubber-like material on sintering and provides a direct alternative to polyurethane, silicone or rubber in a reduced timescale. 

The use of this material has allowed the direct production of functional prototypes for gaskets, seals, mouldings and other applications where the flexibility of the product is key.

The material has been developed so that it can be impregnated with polyurethane, thus increasing the strength of the parts, as well as providing them with a better finish.  Alternatively, the parts can be infiltrated with a die or pigment to add colour.  Technical parameters are available on the Materials page.

The improvement in delivery performance is significant, as the only alternative for producing flexible parts is to produce a master, silicone tool and cast in the relevant grade of polyurethane. Somos condenses this to the usual leadtime for sintered nylon parts, plus 24 hours to allow for infiltration.

Good thermal capability allows the use of these parts up to 150 degrees centigrade, and whilst some chemical resistance data is limited, 3T are compiling specific test data to compliment that, which is generally available.