Axtra3D qualifies three elastomer resins for industrial 3D printing

Axtra3D is expanding its material portfolio for the additive manufacturing market with three new elastomer resins, which are now available via Axtra Solutions. In collaboration with Loctite and ForwardAM, Loctite 3D IND475, Loctite 3D Med414 and Ultracur3D EL 4000 have been qualified for use on the LumiaX1 platform. This targets applications in which flexible parts with defined mechanical properties are to be produced in series.

The LumiaX1 is based on high-speed SLA technology and is designed for processing highly reactive photopolymers. Axtra3D combines its own process parameters and post-processing solutions with the qualified resins into preconfigured workflows under the Axtra Solutions label, while the Axtra OpenAccess program leaves room for material experimentation.

“Expanding our elastomeric portfolio perfectly complements our proven rigid material offerings, giving customers access to a truly comprehensive range of high-performance materials. Together, these materials within Axtra Solutions empower our customers to select the most appropriate material for their specific applications, whether they need performance, precision, flexibility, or durability”, explains Gioia Della Giustina, Head of Materials and Process at Axtra3D.

Loctite 3D IND475 is a one-component UV resin that reaches a Shore hardness of 48A after curing. It is designed for applications requiring high resilience, energy absorption and tear resistance, such as seals, flexible housings or lattice damping structures. Its formulated low shrinkage is intended to support dimensional accuracy and reproducible properties in production environments.

Loctite 3D Med414 is a medically classified resin with Shore 50A, intended for components with skin contact and repeated movement, for example wearables, soft interface elements or sealing components in medical devices. According to the manufacturer, the combination of around 240 percent elongation at break and defined deformation under load is particularly relevant for regulated applications.

Ultracur3D EL 4000 from ForwardAM covers the upper hardness range. With Shore 90A, an elongation at break of around 160 percent and high tear propagation resistance, the resin targets highly loaded parts such as shoe midsoles, bicycle saddles or functional pads. Della Giustina sees this as a complement to the rigid materials in the portfolio, allowing users to choose between stiffness, flexibility and damping depending on their requirements.

Axtra3D plans to showcase the new materials at Formnext in Frankfurt in combination with its in-house workflow of printing, washing, curing and process monitoring. For users who no longer want to produce elastomer components only as prototypes but in validated serial processes, the combination of qualified resins and a coordinated process chain is intended to simplify entry.