With a world-leading process to 3D print biocompatible, medical-grade, 100 per cent silicone, Spectroplast’s unique capability is already disrupting the established silicone manufacturing methods (injection moulding and casting). The novel process requires no tooling, while allowing for unbeatable precision and customisation, producing end-use ready parts while virtually eliminating waste.
Similar to stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP), SAM works by selectively exposing silicone to a light source, forming very thin solid layers that build up to create the final object. Once finished, these parts have equivalent properties and surface finish to those created by traditional silicone injection moulding and casting.
When compared to liquid injection moulding, Spectroplast’s SAM cuts lead times from six weeks to just five days. It can also significantly reduce overall unit and project cost, with savings as high as 50 per cent for certain production volumes.
Using true silicones with the highest performance and quality, the Spectroplast process is certified to ISO DIN EN10993-05 and EN10993-10 standards for biocompatibility. This means that is safe for skin contact, comfortable to wear and is also implantable – ideal for medical devices, prosthesis, orthotics, hearing protection, dental solutions and wearables.
The process is very precise, with tolerances of around ±0.1mm, and can be adjusted to achieve a range of Shore Hardness, including A20, A35, A50 and A60. Offering temperature resistance (- 50 to 200 °C) and flexibility, SAM components can be used as gaskets, seals, grommets, dampers, tubing and more.
The Spectroplast collaboration will provide the DMC’s global customer base with yet another state-of-the-art additive manufacturing solution. Working with companies at the forefront of MedTech, aerospace, space, defence, automotive, motorsport and the industrial sector, SAM is a valuable addition to the suite of leading-edge processes that the DMC’s engineers are using to solve complex customer challenges.
Kieron Salter, Chief Executive Officer at the DMC, commented:
“We are incredibly excited to be the first provider of high-quality silicone additive manufacturing in the UK. The short lead times of Spectroplast’s pioneering SAM process, in combination with its impressive output and cost savings, make it an incredibly valuable offering to our customers.
“From seals and gaskets to personalised medical, dental and healthcare devices, Spectroplast is enabling a paradigm shift in silicone manufacturing. We are proud to be the first to bring this innovation to the UK marketplace and look forward to working in close partnership with the Spectroplast team. The focus of the DMC is on providing engineering-led solutions that are backed by the best technology, Spectroplast is a key enabler in this ambition.”
Dr. Manuel Schaffner, CEO and Co-Founder at Spectroplast, added:
“The UK has a long history of innovative manufacturing and is one of the largest markets in Europe, but we needed to find a partner that shared our vision. As the nation’s leading additive manufacturing facility, the DMC’s team clearly understood the benefits of our technology and how it could help their customers. From mass production to mass customisation, SAM brings end-use ready silicone parts for demanding industrial and frontier medical applications.”
Headquartered in Silverstone Park, the DMC will realise the disruptive potential of additive and connected manufacturing. Providing serial production parts and technology solutions, the DMC was created by leading engineering company KW Special Projects and made possible through significant investment from the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP).
