Greater versatility, functionality and material choice have long been goals of 3D printing system manufacturers to meet the growing demands of industry. Stratasys, once again, has answered this call with new material compatibility for its flagship J750 full-color, multi-material 3D-printing system. Stratasys, based in Mineapolis, MN, and Rehovot, Israel, showcased the new materials at the recent TCT Show in Birmingham, UK.

The Stratasys J750 now delivers additional functionality and versatility for rapid prototyping and tooling applications with Stratasys PolyJet Agilus30 rubber-like material and Digital ABS Plus engineering-grade material. These materials expand the range of 3D-printing applications for designers and manufacturers, said Stratasys.

Agilus30 is suited for many prototyping requirements, said Stratasys, including advanced design verification and functional performance testing. A durable, flexible, Shore A30 photopolymer, Agilus30 features enhanced tear resistance and improved surface texture for a more realistic rubber-like feel for functional evaluation. It withstands repeated flexing and bending. Applications include seals, gaskets, living hinges and soft-touch, over-molded and other flexible parts.

“We are using the new Agilus30 on our Stratasys J750 to simulate the installation and performance of rubber-like parts in our high-performance vehicles and support equipment,” said Neil Oately, Head of Design and Development, McLaren Racing. “The superior tear resistance of the Agilus30 enables us to include highly flexible articulated interconnections within unit construction rigid mountings that we could not do previously.”

The second newly available material, Digital ABS Plus enables users to build strong functional prototypes, manufacturing tools, molds (including injection molds), snap-fit parts for high- or low-temperature use, electrical parts and product casings, among other products, explained Stratasys. It simulates a range of durable production plastics, including standard ABS, with an enhanced toughness and Izod notched impact (90 to 115 J/m, 1.69 to 2.15 ft. lb/inch).

“Since the introduction of the Stratasys J750 full-color, multi-material 3D-printing solution last year, we are constantly working to expand its capabilities for our customers,” said Zehavit Reisin, Vice President for the Rapid Prototyping Solutions Business Unit at Stratasys. “Adding these materials with advanced performance increases the system’s overall versatility, enabling designers and engineers to more accurately evaluate the viability of their designs well before production.”