- CRP Technology unveils a new durable thermoplastic elastomer material with exceptional rubber-like distinguishing features
Modena, Italy, March 2017 – CRP Technology, a leader in the field of Additive Manufacturing, launches Windform® RL, the first thermoplastic elastomer material within the Windform® family of materials for professional 3D Printing.
Windform® RL is a durable thermoplastic elastomer material with exceptional rubber-like distinguishing features. Its mechanical characteristics make it particularly suited for Additive Manufacturing applications requiring complex geometries, and where flexible characteristics is a key requisite.
Franco Cevolini, CEO and Technical Director for CRP Group states: “We created Windform® RL to provide complete and tailored end-to-end service to meet all customers’ needs”. Flexible parts manufactured in Windform® RL and stiff parts in Windform® materials can be bonded together by epoxy resins or withmechanical joints. Choosing Windform® RL, customers will benefit from higher quality guaranteed by the experience and reliability of Windform® and CRP Group brands.
Windform® RL shows excellent durability and stability: It accommodates chemical and heat resistance and combines superior tear resistance with burst strength. Windform® RL is perfect for functional rubber-like prototypes and parts (e.g. gaskets, hoses, and durable components).
Windform® RL is the material of choice not only for automotive and motorsport applications requiring flexibility, but also for athletic footwear and equipment, and for all parts requiring excellent shock absorption. It also allows for the manufacturing “soft-touch” items with non-slip surfaces e.g. handles and overmolded grips.
Windform® RL is the material for simulating cast urethane, thermoplastic elastomer, rubber, and silicone parts along with complex production, F3 prototypes (prototypes to test form, fit, and function). Due to its mechanical properties, Windform® RL assures high performance sealing power. Windform® RL Seal Infiltration is a method for strengthening, coloring, and sealing Windform® RL parts. Windform® RL Seal Infiltration enhances the strength at break and creates watertight barrier. It is available in a wide range of colours.
CRP Group Profile
CRP Group is a straightforward and personal partner to its customers, a partner that embraces their challenges and meets them as quickly as possible with the highest product quality standards. That is what makes CRP unique and successful with a very active role in High-Tech and High End sectors.
CRP Group is headquartered in Modena, Italy. The Group is made up of specialized companies (CRP Technology, CRP Service, CRP Meccanica, plus its US-based partner CRP USA) dedicated to providing clients with the very latest technological solutions. With more than 45 years of experience in the world of F1 and more than 20 years of experience in Additive Manufacturing, CRP Group is distinguished by its know-how in specific application fields including but not limited to: automotive and motorsports, design, aerospace, UAVs, marine, entertainment, defense, and packaging.
In 2010 CRP Group decided to invest in the new field of sustainable vehicles by creating Energica. CRP Group acted as a technology and financial incubator, and it is still today the lead investor of Energica Motor Company, since it has become an independent entity.
CRP Technology is one of CRP Group’s specialized companies. It offers part production for short- and low-run production, and prototyping services with advanced 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing solutions. As a material provider, CRP Technology develops, manufactures and sells its proprietary material Windform® for Laser Sintering.
Based in Mooresville, North Carolina, CRP USA is partnered with CRP group. CRP USA resides in the heart of the southern industrial and manufacturing hub, and is surrounded by growing aerospace and motorsports communities. CRP USA manufacturers on-car and wind tunnel components for racing teams and has taken this expertise to new heights to produce parts for the space, entertainment and automotive sectors using Windform® materials and Additive Manufacturing.
Windform® Materials
Windform® materials are laser sintering materials for 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing.
Windform composite SLS materials were born from the study-research of the R&D department of CRP Technology in the late 90’s. Thus, CRP Technology is the pioneer of additive manufacturing in Italy.
The SLS polyamide-based glass or carbon fiber reinforced Windform® materials can satisfy the needs of the international market of Additive Manufacturing and can guarantee originality, innovation, reliability, and mechanical performance.
Windform®materials make it possible to fabricate high performance partsfor wind tunnel applications, as well as fully functional and beautifully finished parts for near endless applications.
Source: CRP Group
