Based on market demand for stereolithography (SL) resins that approximate the aesthetics of engineering plastics, DSM Somos has announced the expansion of its popular Somos 9000 and Somos 12000 material series with two new variant colour product offerings. Somos Precision HT 12920 is a new, opaque grey version of Somos' high-temperature resistant material, ProtoTherm 12120. Somos 9420 EP White is new, opaque white version of Somos' popular polypropylene-like material, Somos 9120. "As the mechanical robustness of stereolithography parts has grown, aesthetics are increasingly becoming a more important criteria for selecting prototype materials," commented DSM Somos R&D Director Dave Szum. "Not only do engineers want their rapid prototyping materials to behave like thermoplastics, they now want the parts to look like them as well. Based on the success we've seen with Somos 14120 White, we're using our patented know-how to create successful new variations of some well-established Somos resins."

Somos Precision HT 12920 is a high heat-resistant material with a stiffness that mimics polycarbonate. Its easy processing capabilities and new aesthetics make it ideal for general purpose applications where structural stability is required. “Somos Precision HT 12920 enhances the utility of ProtoTherm 12120 in that it looks like a finished production part," says Rob Connelly of FineLine Prototyping. "Because of its colour and opacity, it shows off fine details very nicely.” Somos 9420 EP White, which mimics the mechanical performance of polypropylene, is ideal for the creation of functional prototypes. “Having a white version of the very tough, translucent Somos 9120 SL resin offers a practical enhancement for a time-proven product," says Dave Flynn of Express Pattern.