The materials currently available for 3D printing include resins, alloys (such as nickel-based chromium, cobalt, aluminum, titanium, etc.), polymers, ceramics, plastics, etc. Today, 100% silicone has been used for modeling or small-batch production, which has benefited many industries.
Silicone properties
1. Generally, silicone rubber is biocompatible and meets the requirements of food applications. Because of its inherent stability, no additives or stabilizers are required;
2. Compared with PVC materials, silicone materials do not need to add plasticizers to achieve a very soft effect;
3. Compared with latex materials, silicone materials have no risk of allergy;
4. Compared with thermoplastic elastomer materials, silicone materials have more reliable temperature resistance and pressure resistance;
5. Silicone materials themselves have two major forms, solid and liquid, and are suitable for a variety of molding processes;
6. Silicone also has the following characteristics: flexibility and elasticity, weather resistance, wide application temperature range, radiation resistance, and biological inertness.
The process is based on the "drop-on-demand" printing principle. The print head deposits silicone microdroplets (voxels) drop by drop onto the work surface. The droplets then fuse together and are briefly exposed to UV radiation to permanently bond them together. After curing, a homogeneous layer is formed, on which the next layer is then printed.
By using support materials to produce complex structures such as cornices or holes, three-dimensional objects can be printed layer by layer. After printing, the object is removed from the work platform and the support material is rinsed off with water. The object is then post-cured to remove volatiles and achieve the final mechanical properties.
Applications
It is widely used in many key industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, equipment industry and mechanical engineering.
Anatomical models: Silicone elastomers have excellent flexibility and elasticity, and are easy to cut and suture, especially suitable for replicating soft tissues such as blood vessels, heart, muscle or skin.
Dental: Silicones have properties similar to those of gums. They are impermeable and tested to medical classification IIa, and they are available in different hardnesses and colors, so that 3D printed parts look and feel realistic.
Biomodels: 3D printed biomodels can be used to create organic structures with complex internal structures and have a wide range of applications. Silicone is elastic, deformable, and easy to cut and sew, which is a major advantage.
Advantages of silicone 3D printing
1. Silicone 3D printing can directly convert digital models into physical objects without the use of any tools or molds, thereby reducing production costs, especially for modeling or small-batch production;
2. Another advantage of silicone 3D printing is that it saves production time: it can significantly shorten the process cycle and quickly improve products during product development;
3. Each 3D printed part can be customized to meet the needs of industries such as oral or dental care, and facilitate the production of anatomical models that simulate human tissue;
4. Silicone 3D printing can also integrate functional components and prototypes of complex structures.
