Royal DSM announced the introduction of Somos® Element at formnext. This new material in the Somos® additive manufacturing portfolio is used to make complex parts for investment casting applications. Investment casting is one of the main metal casting techniques used to create industrial end-use parts for the aerospace, energy and automotive industries.

Patterns for investment casting have traditionally been made in wax for hundreds of years. An alternative technique was made available with the advent of 3D Printing. Patterns can be printed directly and skip the costly and time intensive tooling process that is used in the wax method.

Somos® has been involved in investment casting using 3D printed patterns since this technique was first developed. Through continuous interaction with customers and end users, company have developed a deep understanding of what is needed to optimize the process. Somos® Element has been specifically designed to improve the repeatability and quality of 3D printed patterns with its improved dimensional stability and minimal ash content after burnout.

Patterns created with Somos® Element burn out efficiently with a minimal amount of ash residue and the residue that is left behind is easily removed — leaving a perfectly clean void in the ceramic shell. Somos® Element is also antimony-free which allows for use in titanium and other super alloy casting applications.