There are plenty of 3D printers that are capable of printing using PLA or ABS filament to create objects, but if you are in the need to create designs from silicone the new Picsima Silicone 3D Printer created by Fripp Designs based in the UK might be worth more investigation.
The Picsima Silicone 3D Printer is capable of printing good quality 3D printed parts that can be stretched and bent without breaking, and can be seen in action after the jump.
The current Picsima Silicone 3D Printer can print silicone objects up to size of 100 x 100 x 30 mm. But unfortunately the resolution in the current printer is only 0.4mm but might be suitable for many applications. Steve Roberts co-founder of the company that creates the Picsima explains :
“This 3 minute video gives viewers an insight into the capabilities of our new 3D Printing method for 3D Printing cross linked Polymers such as Silicone and why our method is superior to the leading 3D Polymer Printer company, Stratasys.
Where our system also differs from other methods for 3D printing soft polymers, we use commercially available ‘off the shelf’ silicones from well and long established manufacturers. Our unique IP is in the way we control the polymerisation of the silicone. The benefit to our clients is we can make very soft parts (down to Shore Hardness 10 A) and we can make very thin parts (sheets as thin as 400 microns)”
For more information on the new Picsima Silicone 3D Printer jump over to the Picsima website for details.
Source: Fabbaloo