Rubber-like (Tango) material has been specifically engineered to emulate the properties of rubber components. This material is formulated based on UV-curable resin. Tango exhibits remarkable flexibility and stretchability, akin to rubber or silicone materials typically found in sealing applications. The hardness of Tango can be finely adjusted using the printer settings, providing a customizable range of flexibility. Moreover, Gum-like (Tango) stands out for its exceptional capacity to reproduce intricate details, thanks to its minimal layer thickness of 0.016 mm. Gum-like (Tango) components are extensively utilized in crafting prototypes for injection molding processes.

Processing

The employment of PolyJet technology facilitates the production of components with unparalleled precision and surface finish. As the material is applied in its liquid state, it enables the creation of high-gloss surfaces and ensures exceptional dimensional accuracy. Components manufactured through the PolyJet process are also characterized by their structural resilience and overall durability.

Support Material

One important consideration in the design of intricate parts is the necessity to remove support material post-printing, typically accomplished through the application of a high-pressure water jet. However, it's essential to note that not all wall thicknesses can withstand the force of the water jet, so careful planning is required.

Support structures for PolyJet-based parts are constructed using a wax-like material. Regions that come into contact with this support material may display a matte and slightly textured appearance, which may be less stable compared to high-gloss surfaces. Nevertheless, all other surfaces can achieve a high-gloss finish. For instances where uniform surface quality is imperative, enveloping the entire component in support material can be considered.

• Applications of Rubber-like (Tango) 3D Printing
• Rubber-like (Tango) 3D printing finds utility in various applications, including:
• Injection Molding Prototypes: Tango is commonly used to create prototypes for injection molding processes, allowing manufacturers to evaluate designs and make necessary adjustments before committing to production tooling.
• Flexible Prototypes: It is ideal for producing prototypes with flexibility and rubber-like characteristics, making it suitable for applications requiring soft and elastic components.
• Shock-Absorbing Bumpers: Tango's rubber-like properties make it a suitable choice for manufacturing shock-absorbing bumpers and cushioning elements that protect against impact and vibration.
• Sealing Prototypes: Tango is used to create prototypes of seals and gaskets, ensuring a snug and leak-proof fit in various mechanical and industrial applications.
• PolyJet (Photopolymer Jetting) 3D Printing: Precision and Versatility
• PolyJet, also known as Photopolymer Jetting, is a 3D printing technology that can be translated as "spraying with UV-curable plastic." In this process, small amounts of UV-curable material are precisely sprayed onto a build platform.
• Unparalleled Precision and Surface Finish
• One of the defining features of PolyJet 3D printing is its exceptional surface finish. Unlike some other 3D printing methods, PolyJet doesn't involve heat, so parts don't shrink during or after production. This makes PolyJet one of the most precise 3D printing methods available.
• The Role of Piezo Valves
• Here's how it works: A 3D model of an object is loaded into a slicing software. The software generates the machine code and divides the object into layers as thin as 0.016 millimeters (16 micrometers), also calculating the placement of support material if needed. The software then sends the final code to the 3D printer.
• Inside the 3D printer, a cartridge containing a liquid UV-curable material is placed. The machine pumps this material to the print head. In the PolyJet process, there are typically two print heads, one for the build material and the other for support material. The build material is heated to around 80°C to make it flowable. Each print head consists of two metal bars, each lined with hundreds of tiny nozzles arranged in a row. Each nozzle contains a piezo valve. Piezo valves are made of tiny crystals that deform when exposed to an electric current, allowing the nozzle to release the material. The material, under slight pressure, is dispensed as microdroplets, each containing just a few picoliters (one trillionth of a liter; 0.000 000 000 001 liters) of material.
• Curing Microdroplets with UV Light
• As the print head moves across the length of the build platform, the piezo valve opens at precisely the right moment according to the code, releasing tiny droplets of material. These droplets are minuscule, measuring only a few micrometers (µ) in diameter, and they are positioned and deposited with incredible precision. Right behind the print head, there is a roller to smooth the surface.
• PolyJet 3D printing can be likened to digital printing on paper. As the print head returns, the layer that has just been deposited is cured by a high-energy UV light source. This process repeats until the entire object is printed.
• Removing Support Material with Water
• Overhangs in PolyJet printing, much like in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), require support structures. In PolyJet, a waxy support material is simultaneously deposited with the build material. To remove this support material, the finished object is placed in a washing station, where the material is rinsed away with a water pressure of 110 bar.
• PolyJet technology is prized for its ability to produce highly detailed and accurate models with exceptional surface quality, making it a valuable tool in various industries, including research and medicine. Its precision and versatility have led to its use in a wide range of applications, from producing intricate prototypes to creating anatomical models for medical training and research.

Property               Test Method     Value

Tensile Strength       ASTM D 412      1.5 MPa

Elongation at Break   ASTM D 412      170 - 220%

Compression Set        ASTM D 395      4-5%

Shore Hardness (A)    ASTM D 2240     26-28

Tear Strength         ASTM D 624      18-22 KG/cm

Density                               1.13 g/cm³