BASF Forward AM Resins Validated on Zortrax Inkspire 2
BASF Forward AM is one of the largest manufacturer of photopolymer resins in the world offering a wide range of materials dedicated for UV LCD, DLP, and SLA 3D printers. Working with BASF Forward AM, Zortrax engineers developed printing profiles that guarantee getting the most out of BASF Forward AM's most advanced resins on the Inkspire 2. Each BASF Forward AM material supported on the Inkspire 2 has been put through a strict, two-stage validation process to make sure that mechanical and thermal properties of 3D printed parts meet or exceed the values declared by the manufacturer. This process is performed at Zortrax headquarters and at BASF Forward AM 3D printing laboratories independently and included 3D printing of parts on the Inkspire 2 and post-processing them in Zortrax Cleaning Station and Zortrax Curing Station.
High rigidity resins
The defining feature of these materials is high rigidity. Parts 3D printed with rigid resins do not give way under stress, retaining their shape to the point of breaking. They work best in structural frames, positioning jigs, or fixtures.
Applications
Structural frames
Positioning jigs
Fixtures
Casings
Key benefits
High stiffness
High accuracy
Low shrinkage
Tough resins
Tough resins can endure very high loads before they break. Compared to rigid materials, they give way a little bit sooner under stress but need higher force to reach the breaking point. As such, tough resins are usually used for mechanical components working under significant loads.
Applications
Load-bearing components
Impact-resistant components
Wear and tear resistant components
Key benefits
High mechanical strength
High impact-resistance
Resistance to wear and tear
Elastomeric resins
The purpose of elastomeric resins is emulating various kinds of rubber. Such materials are commonly used for seals, gaskets, or hinges. They differ by the degree of elasticity, mechanical strength, and thermal properties to fit wide range of engineering needs.
Applications
Gaskets
Hinges
Shock-resistant bumpers
Key benefits
Very low hardness
High elongation at break
High-temperature resins
High-temperature resins can withstand exposure to high temperatures without loosing their mechanical properties. Such materials are used to quickly 3D print molding-grade components or to fabricate parts operating in high-temperature environments.
Applications
Molding-grade parts
Components working in high temperature environments
Key benefits
High Heat Deflection Temperature
Thermal stability
Mechanical strength
Ceramic-Filled Resin
Specialized, ceramic-filled resin belonging to the rigid line of BASF Forward AM’s 3D printing photopolymers. High content of ceramic particles makes the material desirable in the automotive, robotics, electronics, metallurgy, energy production and chemical industry.
Applications
Molding-grade parts
Wear and tear resistant components
Key benefits
High heat deflection temperature
High stiffness
Thermal stability