New DSM Somos® Stereolithography Resins Generate Excitement at European Trade Fair

In keeping with their ongoing commitment to the development of innovative stereolithography (SL) materials, DSM Somos showcased its four newest resins at the recent 2006 EuroMold exhibition held in Frankfurt, Germany (November 27-December 2): 1. ProtoGen(TM) O-XT 18120: a highly accurate, high-temperature ABS-like resin in translucent color; 2. ProtoGen(TM) O-XT 18420: a highly accurate, high temperature ABS-like resin in white color; 3. ProtoCast(TM) AF 19120: a fully antimony-free (heavy metal free) resin designed specifically for the investment casting industry. More environmentally-friendly than standard SL resins and produces very low ash content during burnout; 4. NanoTool(TM): High-temperature composite resin featuring superior sidewall quality and fast processing speeds. Used for wind tunnel models in aerospace and Formula 1, rapid tooling inserts and metal plating. Each new Somos material represents significant performance advantages over existing SL marketplace offerings, which were highlighted through the display of unique prototype parts-such as a partially metal plated faucet designed by Tau Design group and manufactured by Alphaform AG using Somos ProtoGen O-XT 18120. "Alphaform metal plated much of the faucet to produce a finished part that simply does not look or behave like a traditional rapid prototype part," says Somos Marketing Manager Eva Montgomery. Among the investment casting industry, Somos ProtoCast(TM) AF generated interest as the industry's first environmentally friendly, zero antimony (no heavy metal) SL material. The resin opens the door for foundries seeking a cost-effective way to produce low volume production metal parts in a variety of alloys. While the use of stereolithography for investment casting patterns in place of wax patterns has become quite common in the US, it remains an introductory concept in Europe. Finally, Somos' extremely versatile NanoTool resin-the newest in its line of composite SL materials-generated excitement among industry groups needing highly stiff parts with exceptional sidewall quality. For those involved in wind tunnel testing, such as aerospace and Formula 1, "NanoTool's sidewall quality means reduced finishing time requirements-a valuable benefit given the size of parts these industries generate," says Montgomery. For the Rapid Tooling community, a showcased NanoTool mold-demonstrating the resulting quality of an injection molded part, left visitors impressed with the level of aesthetic that could be obtained. "Using DSM Somos resins, today's design engineer has an ever growing range of cost-cutting or time-saving options available to him," says Somos Product Manager Brian Bauman. "Whether its using ProtoGen O-XT to produce parts that mimic ABS or metal (once plated), or ProtoCast AF for actual metal parts, or NanoTool to produce tooling for injection molded plastics, Somos' newest resins can make it happen." About DSM Somos® DSM Somos is currently the world's second largest materials supplier to the rapid prototyping industry, providing stereolithography liquids used for the creation of three-dimensional models and prototypes directly from digital data. Somos' patented ProtoFunctional® materials are used by a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical and telecommunications. Somos' corporate office is located at: 1122 St. Charles Street, Elgin, IL 60120 (Tel +1-847-697-0400), Americas@dsmsomos.info . For more information on DSM Somos® in Europe: Fax. +39 06 9871694, Europe@dsmsomos.info Photo Captions: 1-ProtoGen O-XT 18120 faucet assembly made and metal plated by Alphaform AG 2-Polyethylene bottlecap injection molded from NanoTool mold High Resolution photos available upon request DSM Somos is an unincorporated division of DSM Desotech-a world leader in the development of UV-curable materials-and a member of the global DSM family. More information about the companies can be found at www.dsmsomos.com and www.dsmdesotech.com . About DSM Somos® Materials What is stereolithography? Stereolithography (SL) permits the rapid creation of 3D pieces utilizing a computer-controlled laser that polymerizes light-sensitive resins. The process is highly precise and constructs the object in a series of "additive layers," providing the advantage of producing highly complex forms that are difficult or impossible to fabricate by machining or traditional molding techniques. The evolution of advanced SL materials offers the potential of moving stereolithography from prototyping into manufacturing. DSM Somos ProtoComposites(TM) are resins reinforced with various materials, such as ceramics and glasses, to produce functional properties not possible using individual components. DSM Somos ProtoComposite materials are a result of a significant research and development program investigating the potential for ACT-SL(TM) (Advanced Composite Technology for StereoLithography). In 2003, DSM Somos announced ProtoTool(TM) ceramic-filled resins, the first member belonging to the new ACT-SL(TM) technology. DSM Somos ProtoFunctional® resins for stereolithography provide advanced technology to respond to the changing needs of new product development and industrial design. Traditional non-composite ProtoFunctional materials by DSM Somos satisfy a varying range of characteristics: transparency, superior humidity and heat resistance, and outstanding mechanical properties, replicating those of many production grade plastics such as polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS and PBT. Technical data on all Somos® materials may be found at www.dsmsomos.com

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