Elastomeric resins are a class of polymer materials known for their elasticity, which allows them to regain their original shape when distorted. Examples include natural rubber, polyurethane, polybutadiene, neoprene, and silicone. Consumer goods, automotive, and industrial are a few of the key industries using elastomeric resins in the market.
The number of elastomeric resins is also growing rapidly, with 45 different types and more to come in the future. However, like other 3D printed materials, elastomeric resins pose significant challenges in the post-processing step. It can be difficult to remove the uncured resin without impacting the cured resin. Solvent soaks, such as isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether (TPM) can alter elastomeric properties, causing breakage, swelling, cracking, or loss of elasticity.
Introducing PostProcess Elastomeric Resin Removal Solution, PLM-501-SUB™
To address these challenges, PostProcess Technologies has created a new elastomeric resin removal solution featuring an all-new additive-specific chemistry, PLM-501-SUB. This is an organic-based resin removal solution for VAT-based 3D-printed elastomeric parts. PLM-501-SUB is specifically formulated to remove uncured resin from elastomeric materials while minimizing swelling, damage, or changes to mechanical properties.
This full-stack solution integrates hardware, software, fixtures, and proprietary chemistry to remove resin from many 3D printed plastic materials, effectively cleaning parts from elastomeric materials while minimizing overall part damage.
PLM-501-SUB is designed for use in PostProcess’ DEMI 400, X 520, 800, and 900 Series solutions. These solutions provide a completely IPA-free elastomeric resin removal system, integrated with PostProcess hardware, AUTOMAT3D software, allocated fixtures, PLM-501-SUB, and rinsing with AUX-400-RINSE.
After elastomeric parts are submerged in PLM-501-SUB, they can then be rinsed with PostProcess’ AUX-400-RINSE if a final rinse step is necessary before they are dried and/or cured.
Why Choose PLM-501-SUB?
Odorless and Organic: PLM-501-SUB™ is an odorless, organic solution with a 30% longer lifespan compared to IPA and TPM.
Enhanced Safety: It provides a safer alternative to solvent soaks like IPA, with a high flashpoint (237°F / 115°C) to significantly reduce flammability risks. Unlike IPA, it does not require explosion-proof or ATEX-certified equipment.
Efficiency and Speed: Elastomeric resin is removed within 5-7 minutes when components are submerged in PLM-501-SUB™ using a PostProcess SVC solution. This eliminates the need for manual labor and achieves superior efficiency, with 35-38% longevity in terms of resin by weight.
High-Quality Output: By integrating PLM-501-SUB™, manufacturers can protect elastomeric parts from swelling or cracking, resulting in a higher quality end-product and increased throughput production of quality parts.
Seamless Integration with PostProcess Solutions
PLM-501-SUB is designed for seamless integration with PostProcess’ DEMI 400, X 520, 800, and 900 Series solutions, providing a more efficient and safer production process.
Eliminating solvent soaks and integrating PLM-501-SUB in a PostProcess solution will prevent swelling or cracking of elastomeric parts, boosting the production throughput of high-quality end products, while eliminating safety concerns.
PLM-501-SUB is the superior solution for PostProcess systems with its ability to streamline workflows, improve part quality, and increase production efficiency.