Photopolymers: Evonik Launches Three New Materials for 3D Printing

Essen/Marl, Germany/November 15, 2022 — Evonik launched three new INFINAM® photopolymers for industrial 3D applications, expanding the photo-resins product line launched last year for use in common UV-curing 3D printing processes such as SLA or DLP. With a total of seven new photopolymer formulations, Evonik has diversified the additive manufacturing material landscape in less than two years.

INFINAM® RG 2000 L is a photo-resin for the demanding eyewear industry. The clear liquid formulation cures quickly and is easy to process. A low yellowing index – even after prolonged UV irradiation – not only make the high-performance material attractive for additively manufactured eyewear frames, it is also suitable for applications such as microfluidic reactors or transparent high-end prototypes for observing the inner workings of complex assemblies. The excellent light transmission of INFINAM® RG 2000 L also opens up further applications such as lenses, light guides and illumination covers.

INFINAM® RG 7100 L was specially developed for DLP printers and enables the production of parts with isotropic properties and low moisture absorption. The mechanical properties are comparable to those of an ABS material and the black colored formulation can also be used on high throughput printer systems. The printed parts exhibit fine features such as smooth and glossy surfaces making the new photopolymer ideal for demanding design visualizations. INFINAM® RG 7100 L can also be used in applications such as drones, buckles or automotive parts that require high ductility combined with high impact strength. The printed parts can be machined and remain fracture resistant even when subjected to high forces.

INFINAM® TI 5400 L is another example of application-focussed product development. With this formulation, Evonik is responding to customer requests-especially from the Asia region-for a PVC-like resin for the rapidly growing market of limited edition designer toys. The white colored material is ideal for objects with a high level of detail and excellent surface quality that are virtually indistinguishable from comparable injection-molded parts. The fully cured material combines excellent impact strength with high elongation at break and exhibits long-lasting thermomechanical performance.

“As one of Evonik’s six innovation growth fields, we are investing above average in the development of new formulations or the further development of existing products. A broad material landscape is the basis for permanently establishing 3D printing as another large-scale industrial manufacturing technology,” says Lutz Mindach, Head of Research Development & Innovation Additive Manufacturing at Evonik.

Evonik’s 3D printing activities are bundled in the group’s Additive Manufacturing Innovation Growth Field. The strategic focus is on the development and manufacturing industrial ready-to-use high-performance materials for all major polymer-based 3D-printing technologies. The specialty chemicals company thus drives 3D printing as a large-scale industrial manufacturing technology along the entire value chain. In this context, Evonik has organized its product range under the new INFINAM® brand.