Protolabs remains at the forefront of 3D printing technologies with the release of their proprietary resin, MicroFine Green, specifically created for 3D printed parts that need ultra-high definition, accuracy and strength. It has been custom formulated for exclusive use in Protolabs’ micro-resolution stereolithography process.
The release of the thermoset resin sits within the Protolabs’ broader quality focus of being a world-leading manufacturer of customer parts for prototyping and short run production.
Introducing MicroFine Green
MicroFine Green requires specialised equipment exclusive to Protolabs, printing parts at a micro-resolution level with an incredibly fine layer thickness of only 0.025mm. As a result, part precision is high where features can be as small as 0.07mm. The material is fairly durable and rigid, with mechanical properties most similar to ABS plastic.
Daniel Cohn, Protolabs’ General Manager in Germany said: “The benefits of MicroFine Green combine to make the SLA material well-suited to the rapid prototyping of products in industries like medical, healthcare, and consumer electronics. It’s a terrific example of how material advancements continue to revolutionise the 3D printing industry, which in turn is helping companies evolve beyond their traditional supply chain and product development approaches.”
In addition to MicroFine Green, Protolabs offers a number of material options that mimic ABS, polycarbonate, and polypropylene for rapid prototyping and parts using stereolithography. With turnaround times in as fast as 1 day, the process is offered in three resolutions: normal, high, and micro - each suiting feature size and property considerations.
Rounding out the company’s 3D printing material selection are various grades of nylon for added durability, digital photopolymers and silicone for elastomeric parts, and numerous metal materials for functional, end-use components.
Stereolithography is one of an expanding range of additive manufacturing processes available at Protolabs, which includes:
- Stereolithography (SL)
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
- Direct Metal Laster Sintering (DMLS)
- Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
- PolyJet & 3D Printed Silicone
For more information about MicroFine Green, Protolabs’ full stereolithography capabilities and expanding range of 3D printing processes, please visit the Protolabs website.
Matt Hatch, Communications Manager, Europe
E: [email protected]
D: +44 (0) 1952 683540