Henkel
Henkel is one of five contributors working to develop new stereolithography (SLA) materials, printing methodologies and post-processing technologies as part of a research project focused on automotive applications.
The SYMPA project is being coordinated by the Institute of Aircraft Design (IFB) at the University of Stuttgart and is drawing collaborations from a number of parties across the SLA value chain. Joining Henkel and the IFB is Rapid Shape GmbH; a combined effort from Joanneum Research and INOCON Technologies GmbH; and cirp GmbH.
Sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and Federal Ministry Republic of Austria Transport, Innovation and Technology, SYMPA is hoping to address common weaknesses of SLA materials like low durability, inadequate mechanical properties and low UV stability. It aims to do this by developing a new photosensitive polymer with increased thermal and mechanical properties, while surface modification technologies are also in the works to improve the environmental resistance of products.
All SYMPA developments will consider the requirements of industrial production processes and real automotive parts. The project brings together Henkel’s expertise in developing high-performance photopolymers; IFB’s experience in lightweight construction and composite applications; Rapid Shape’s offering of open 3D printing systems; cirp’s understanding of automotive applications and SLA technologies through its work as a service provider; and Joanneum Research and INOCON Technologie’s collective post-processing proficiencies.
The consortium of German and Austrian material specialists, machine producers and research institutes has been carrying out work through the SYMPA project since late 2018 and will run for two and a half more years.
