- Manufacturer-independent and system-open product range expanded by first high-performance material for SLA applications
- Innovative new products for mold production, for example in audiology, and the production of ESD-compliant materials
- Visit us at formnext: Hall 12.1, Booth F99
Wesel, October 31, 2023 – Giving shape to ideas by turning product designs into reality is now achievable with the new and enhanced resin-based Cubic Ink® 3D printing materials. Among them is the first material for SLA applications:
Cubic Ink® High Performance 2-1400 VP. These innovative products will be presented at this year's formnext, the premier European 3D printing trade fair for additive manufacturing, which will take place in Frankfurt am Main from November 7 to 10, 2023.
With the new products, specialty chemicals group ALTANA is significantly extending its Cubic Ink® 3D printing material family for high-performance resins. The expansion positions ALTANA as a supplier of manufacturer-independent, system-open materials suitable for DLP, LCD, and SLA applications, as well as inks for material jetting. This development unlocks entirely new opportunities for users, particularly in the automotive and aerospace sectors. It is also a boon for the medical technology field, encompassing audiology, dental medicine, and orthopedics, enhancing their product manufacturing processes.
“ALTANA is focusing its Cubic Ink® family of 3D printing materials on system-open and industry-applicable additive manufacturing across DLP, LCD, and SLA technologies. Our customers reap the rewards of our extensive solution expertise in pioneering high-performance materials,” explains Dr. Max Röttger, Head of Cubic Ink®. “Furthermore, we offer dedicated support to our customers in the development and formulation of high-performance inkjet inks for material jetting."
Innovative new products at formnext
Among the extensive lineup of over ten Cubic Ink® products showcased at formnext, certain material series stand out due to their exceptional performance and properties.
Notable among these highlights are the two Cubic Ink® series, Mold 210 VP and 601 VP, designed for resin printing. These series offer a multitude of advantages regarding both the printing process and post-processing stages. The materials are used, for example, in the manufacture of hearing aids. Their low viscosity allows for rapid printing, and the printed molds can be effectively cleaned using common washing solvents, such as IPA. Furthermore, after approximately ten minutes of UV post-exposure, these materials are ready for filling with the corresponding molding compound.
Equally innovative is the new Cubic Ink® High Performance 4-1301 VP for medical technology applications. The material has been tested for its non-cytotoxic properties by accredited testing laboratories for medical technology. The results of these tests show that the material is well-suited for medical technology applications with direct skin contact, such as orthoses for fingers or arms.
Cubic Ink® High Performance 4-2800 VP-ESD is set to debut in the segment of ESD-compliant, or antistatically designed, printing materials. The resin is engineered for crafting items that possess electrostatic dissipative properties, effectively mitigating the risk of sudden voltage discharges in sensitive electronic components. These materials are used primarily in handling and in the manufacture of electrical or electronic components, shielding them from damage caused by uncontrolled electrostatic voltage discharges.
This resin can be processed efficiently and swiftly, thanks to its low viscosity. After printing, it can be cleaned with water and exhibits commendable mechanical properties following post-treatment. It also has remarkable reactivity and boasts good electrical conductivity, with a surface resistance of 1.8x107 Ωcm, as measured under laboratory conditions.
Another highlight is the recently unveiled Cubic Ink® High Performance 4-2100 VP, which features exceptional impact strength and heat resistance. This low-viscosity material enables fast and precise printing, while its remarkable flexibility makes it especially well-suited for the manufacture of production aids, including sturdy internal components for industrial grippers.
Further information and technical data sheets on the products can be found on the website: Cubic Ink - ALTANA AG.
We look forward to seeing you at formnext: Hall 12.1, Booth F99.
 Arm orthosis made of Cubic Ink® high-performance material |  Molds for the production of hearing aids filled with a colored silicone |
 Bobbin for the winding and unwinding of e.g. cables as well as wires |  More than ten new resin-based Cubic Ink® materials for 3D printing have been developed by ALTANA |
About ALTANA:
ALTANA is a global leader in true specialty chemicals. The Group offers innovative, environmentally compatible solutions for coating manufacturers, paint and plastics processors, the printing and packaging industries, the cosmetics sector and the electrical and electronics industry. The product range includes additives, special coatings and adhesives, effect pigments, sealants and compounds, impregnating resins and varnishes, and testing and measuring instruments. ALTANA's four divisions, BYK, ECKART, ELANTAS, and ACTEGA, all occupy a leading position in their target markets with respect to quality, product solution expertise, innovation, and service.
Headquartered in Wesel, Germany, the ALTANA Group has 48 production sites and 63 service and research laboratories worldwide. Throughout the Group more around 7,000 people work to ensure the worldwide success of ALTANA. In 2022, ALTANA achieved sales of more than 3 billion euros. Around 7 percent of sales are invested in research and development every year. Its high earning power and high growth rate make ALTANA one of the most innovative, fastest growing, and profitable chemical companies in the world.