Henkel, Nexa3D Launch Ultrafast Photopolymer for Rapid Prototyping

Henkel and Nexa3D have collaborated on the launch of xPRO410, an ultrafast general-purpose material for rapid prototyping. Nexa3D, the maker of ultrafast stereolithography production 3D printers, and Henkel, a supplier of high-impact functional additive materials, have partnered to create this new class of photopolymers. According to the companies, it is a rigid photoplastic that prints extremely high-accuracy parts with exceptional surface finish. The formulation is based on Henkel’s Loctite PRO410 polymer and optimized for the Nexa3D’s NXE400 3D printer.

The company says this general-purpose material enables multiple daily design iterations and same day on-demand parts for small and large product enterprises. The rigid material is said to be well-suited for service bureaus seeking to upgrade their services to same day and next day fulfillment. It enables the fast and accurate printing of parts for a wide range of form, fit and function designs, and exceptional appearance prototypes. The xPRO410 can be printed continuously on the NXE400 at speeds of up to 8 L per hour, representing a 20X productivity gain. Parts printed with xPRO410 are said to achieve dimensional accuracy of within 0.2% after postcuring on the Nexa3D xCure system and can withstand temperature exposure of up to 70°C.

Henkel and Nexa3D are working together to apply circular economy principles into their material formulation and printing processes. Through the implementation of end-to-end validated workflows, both companies are measuring and improving to minimize process waste, reduce energy consumption per part and work with customers to reduce their overall carbon footprint.