#USA #Minnetonka #Stratasys #Shin-Etsu Chemical #P3 Silicone 25A

Stratasys and Shin-Etsu Chemical Introduce P3™ Silicone 25A

Stratasys Ltd., based in Minnesota, USA, alongside Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., a world leader in silicone chemistry, has proudly announced the commercial launch of their collaborative development, the high-performance material, P3™ Silicone 25A. This state-of-the-art material is specifically designed for the Origin® DLP platform by Stratasys and aims to meet the needs of industries seeking flexible, high-quality parts without the constraints of traditional molding.

This innovative product responds to long-standing challenges in industrial 3D printing, specifically the demand for real silicone parts that possess high precision, durability, and reproducibility without the time and cost limitations associated with injection molding. P3 Silicone 25A retains the chemical resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical properties known in conventional silicones, while allowing for mold-free manufacturing. This feature not only significantly shortens lead times but also enables small-lot production and localized manufacturing.

With its proven performance during thermal aging tests of up to 1,000 hours at 150°C, the P3 Silicone 25A has also passed certifications for biocompatibility and flame resistance, making it an ideal choice for various applications. As manufacturers increasingly seek ways to customize products and streamline inventory, silicone has become an essential material for seals, gaskets, vibration dampers, wearable devices, and soft-touch components. Yet until now, there were very few 3D printing materials that could match the performance characteristics of traditional molded silicone.

By merging Stratasys's mass production-capable P3™ DLP technology with Shin-Etsu's expertise in silicone chemistry, P3 Silicone 25A offers a powerful solution for manufacturers looking to produce end-use silicone parts efficiently.

Rich Garrity, Stratasys's Chief Business Officer, emphasized the significance of specialized materials that can match the performance of conventional manufacturing methods in facilitating the adoption of additive manufacturing in production environments. He praised the collaboration with Shin-Etsu, stating, "P3 Silicone 25A harmonizes the inherent reliability of silicone with the flexibility that layering technology offers, underpinned by reproducible results and real-world data."

The launch of P3 Silicone 25A marks the first phase of a silicone materials portfolio developed in collaboration between Stratasys and Shin-Etsu, with plans to introduce variations targeting different hardness levels and applications in the future.

Makoto Ohara, Sales and Marketing Director for Shin-Etsu Silicones Europe, expressed pride in their partnership with Stratasys, noting, "We are delighted to provide the market with 3D-printable real silicone in collaboration with global leaders in additive manufacturing. P3 Silicone 25A embodies outstanding properties and long-term reliability, allowing for intricately detailed formations that truly deserve the label 'real silicone.'"

Currently, P3 Silicone 25A is available for orders in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and APAC (Asia-Pacific) regions, with plans for availability in the American market expected by year-end.

For further details on P3 Silicone 25A and its industrial applications, please visit Stratasys.

About Stratasys

Stratasys stands at the forefront of additive manufacturing globally, transforming the landscape of production across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, consumer products, and education. Through smart connected 3D printers, resin materials, software ecosystems, and on-demand parts, Stratasys provides competitive advantages at all stages of product life cycles, empowering advanced companies worldwide to achieve innovation in product design, efficiency in manufacturing processes, and enhanced patient care. Stratasys Japan, a subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd., markets and sells 3D printers and materials while offering parts production services based in Tokyo, with a branch in Osaka. For additional information about Stratasys, please visit their website, blog, or follow them on social media.