DSM introduces Somos® Element for 3D Printing industry

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ELGIN, Ill., Nov. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal DSM, a science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials, announces today the introduction of Somos® Element at formnext, the international exhibition and conference on additive technologies and tool making in Frankfurt, Germany. This new material in the Somos® additive manufacturing portfolio is used to make complex parts for investment casting applications.

Investment casting is one of the main metal casting techniques used to create industrial end-use parts for the aerospace, energy and automotive industries. Patterns for investment casting have traditionally been made in wax for hundreds of years. An alternative technique was made available with the advent of 3D Printing. Patterns can be printed directly and skip the costly and time intensive tooling process that is used in the wax method. Somos® has been involved in investment casting using 3D printed patterns since this technique was first developed.

Through continuous interaction with our customers and end users, we have developed a deep understanding of what is needed to optimize the process. Somos® Element has been specifically designed to improve the repeatability and quality of 3D printed patterns with its improved dimensional stability and minimal ash content after burnout. Patterns created with Somos® Element burn out efficiently with a minimal amount of ash residue and the residue that is left behind is easily removed — leaving a perfectly clean void in the ceramic shell. Somos® Element is also antimony-free which allows for use in titanium and other super alloy casting applications.

"Somos® Element increases the yield and reduces the amount of re-work needed for super alloy and other high specification parts as a result of its dimensional stability and smooth surface after the burn out process," says Kevin Zaras, Global Application Specialist Somos®. "3D printed patterns with Somos® Element offer increased design flexibility, stronger patterns and less post-processing of the cast part."

"We are very excited to deliver a new material for 3D printing investment casting applications," says Jasper van Dieten-Blom, Marketing Manager Somos®. "There is great opportunity for Somos® Element to be used to create patterns, especially for complex aluminium and alloy castings for the aerospace and automotive markets."

DSM – Bright Science. Brighter Living.™
Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders simultaneously. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM and its associated companies deliver annual net sales of about €10 billion with approximately 25,000 employees. The company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.

About Somos®
DSM believes that 3D printing is a major change agent for the world creating brighter lives for people today and generations to come. Somos®, a product brand of DSM, moves the Additive Manufacturing industry to a new level of performance. We are dedicated to helping our customers grow in the ever-changing world of 3D Printing and promoting this growth through continuous material and application development, encouraging industry collaboration and maximizing customer asset value by providing continuous information and support. More information about Somos® can be found at www.dsm.com/somos.

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Forward-looking statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to DSM's future (financial) performance and position. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of DSM and information currently available to the company. DSM cautions readers that such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore it should be understood that many factors can cause actual performance and position to differ materially from these statements. DSM has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release, unless required by law. The English language version of the press release is leading.

SOURCE DSM

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