Henkel Validates Loctite Formulations on Desktop Metal Xtreme 8K Machine

Desktop Metal and Henkel have validated the first Loctite-branded formulations workflow on Desktop Metal’s Xtreme 8K, which they say is the largest DLP build-volume machine for the 3D printing market. Over the past two years, the companies have collaborated on various applications on ETEC’s printer platforms for industrial and medical use. The onboarding of Loctite-branded formulations is said to represent both partners’ strategic vision to support volume production in additive manufacturing (AM).

The companies say a workflow specific to the machine and material is needed to achieve optimal and repeatable results. Loctite 3D Printing says it has pioneered the sharing of detailed workflows developed specifically for the machine and material. The workflow validations are said to provide complete specifications for printing, curing and cleaning parts printed with Loctite materials.

The acquisition of ETEC by Desktop Metal in 2021 continues both companies’ partnership agreement and deepens the commitment to drive the adoption of production-level 3D printing further. As already announced in 2021 Loctite has validated several materials on the ETEC Envision One printers, including Loctite 3D 3955 HDT280 FST, Loctite 3D IND406 HDT100 High Elongation and Loctite 3D IND402 A70 High Rebound.

It is said the onboarding of photoplastic and photoelastic single-part materials on the Envision One printers enables users to print highly viscous and solid resins. The additional initial workflows on the Xtreme 8k are said to open up a myriad of solutions across more than 800 industry segments.

The Xtreme 8K uses top-down printing to enable faster curing of each layer, high-power projectors and a custom optical train to ensure high power is delivered to each voxel. This combination means that the large format 3D printer enables the production of large 3D parts without sacrificing quality or accuracy.

Combining Henkel’s material expertise and ETEC’s advanced printer hardware enables the adoption of end-use 3D printed parts. With a build volume of 450 × 371 × 399 mm, users can now take advantage of the increased manufacturing capacity of over 150 L of resin. Coupled with Loctite 3D photoplastic resins, the companies say customers can quickly produce tough and durable end-use parts with outstanding surface finish and premium mechanical properties.

The following Loctite-branded photopolymer materials have been initially validated on the new Xtreme 8K machine — Loctite 3D 3843 HDT60 High Toughness and Loctite 3D IND405 HDT50 High Elongation.