Biocompatible materials
With a higher content of long oligomer chains and high molecular weight ingredients, high-viscosity materials are inherently safer than legacy resins. As a result, migration of unreacted monomers or emission of VOC out of the polymeric matrix are less likely to occur. For this reason, VLM materials can pass skin irritation, sensitization and cytotoxicity tests.
Complete range of medical-grade pure silicones with different hardnesses to cover a broad spectrum of applications. Excellent mechanical properties and certified as non-irritant and non-cytotoxic.
- High elongation
- Different hardnesses
- High fatigue resistance
- Excellent chemical resistance
Tack-free soft materials with excellent tear strength, elongation at break and fatigue resistance. Ideal for medical devices and skin contact devices, like wearables or sports equipment.
- Soft touch
- High elongation
- Safe skin contact
- Great tear strength
Why does viscosity matter?
Low-viscosity resins can’t meet industrial standards and homologations due to the limited ingredient set available to keep viscosity within the processability range. Therefore, legacy formulations are predominantly formed by monomers and a very small fraction of oligomers, additives, fillers and modifiers can be used since its inclusion spikes viscosity out of the processing window. Consequently, low-viscosity resins will inevitably have compromised mechanical, thermal and chemical and performance.
During photopolymerization, monomers and oligomers bond covalently at their terminations, forming a matrix that is crucial for the final material properties. As low-viscosity resins are mostly formed by short-chain monomers, the are many more covalent bonds in the matrix, and it becomes inevitably over-crosslinked, leading to brittle parts that are prone to crack propagation from weakened bonds at functional termination, and inferior elastomeric behavior because of poor tear strength or elongation at break.
Some AM processes rely on heating up the material to lower its viscosity and enable its processing, but this has several drawbacks: The material undergoes curing reactions when exposed to heat, leading to inconsistent properties among layers as the last ones are affected by partial curing during a longer pre-heating period. Moreover, heat increases the VOC emissions, which pose serious health risks and require expensive equipment in the facilities to ensure a safe work environment.