Somos® BioClear

Material
Stereolithography (SLA) - Somos® BioClear

Description

Somos® BioClear is a highly advanced engineered resin that produces precise, functional prototypes and parts. It is a clear and colorless material capable of producing parts with exceptional clarity, smooth surface finish, and high fidelity.

The Somos® BioClear is ideal for various applications such as medical devices, consumer goods, and other applications where accuracy and clarity are paramount. It can simulate a variety of transparent polymers, making it an excellent material for the functional testing of prototypes.

10993-10 Irritation and Sensitization, and USP Class VI testing. It is an excellent material for small-batch runs and customizable parts for the dental, medical, and scientific industries. Parts created using this material are optically clear and have similar mechanical properties to ABS.

Somos® BioClear Applications

  • Surgical Models
  • Surgical Guides
  • Medical Applications
  • Functional Prototypes

Resources

The creator of this material is Covestro Additive Manufacturing.

Helpful Links

Somos® BioClear Characteristics

Clear/Translucent

  • Biocompatible*
  • Chemical Resistant
  • High Detail/High Resolution
  • High Strength
  • Moisture Resistant

* Please notify us of any biocompatibility needs.

Somos® BioClear Mechanical Properties

Mechanical Properties UV Postcure
Tensile Strength
7,300 psi
Tensile Elongation at Break
15.5%
Flexural Strength
10,000 psi
Flexural Modulus
320 ksi
Heat Deflection at 264 psi
120° F
Mechanical Properties UV Postcure
Tensile Strength
50.4 MPa
Tensile Elongation at Break
15.5%
Flexural Strength
68.7 MPa
Flexural Modulus
2,205 MPa
Heat Deflection at 1.82 MPa
49° C

Stereolithography

Technology
Max Build Area

31 x 31 x 23 in

Lead Time

1 – 3 Days

Tolerances

First inch ± 0.005 in

Additional inches ± 0.0015 in/in

Layer Thickness

Normal resolution 0.004 in

Minimum feature 0.012 in.

High-resolution 0.002 in

Minimum feature 0.006 in 

About Stereolithography

Stereolithography (SLA) is a 3D printing technology that uses photopolymerization to create solid objects. The process involves using a liquid resin that is sensitive to ultraviolet light. When the liquid resin is exposed to a UV laser, it polymerizes into a solid material. The laser cures the part layer by layer to create the desired shape.

After forming the object, it undergoes additional UV and thermal treatments to improve its strength and durability. The resulting parts are highly accurate and have a smooth surface finish.

Stereolithography is a fast and precise process commonly used to create prototypes, master patterns, and large concept models. Its high speed and design flexibility allow rapid iteration during new product development. In addition, stereolithography printers can create complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing techniques.

Design Recommendations

Feature Measurement

Connecting & Moving Parts

0.03 in

Escape Holes

0.04 in

Embossing & Engraving

Width: 0.016 in
Height/Depth: 0.016 in

Holes & Openings

0.02 in

Horizontal Spans

0.08 in

Minimum Features

0.008 in

Pin Diameter

0.03 in

Supports & Overhangs

Base Supports Otherwise 45°

Walls (Supported)

0.02 in

Walls (Unsupported)

0.04 in
Feature Measurement

Connecting & Moving Parts

0.7 mm

Escape Holes

1 mm

Embossing & Engraving

Width: 0.4 mm
Height/Depth: 0.4 mm

Holes & Openings

0.5 mm

Horizontal Spans

2 mm

Minimum Features

0.2 mm

Pin Diameter

0.7 mm

Supports & Overhangs

Base Support Otherwise 45°

Walls (Supported)

0.5 mm

Walls (Unsupported)

1 mm