Three new stereo lithography materials that simulate the look and feel of moulded PP, ABS and Polycarbonate parts have been developed by 3D Systems Corporation. Typical applications include automotive headlamps, medical equipment components, aircraft and missile components, electrical insulators and connectors, jet pump impellers and diffusers, flow visualization models, and rugged housings for cell phones, pagers and laptop computers.

The most important characteristic requirement of material for stereo lithography is the development of a range of products that simulate the look and feel of largely injection-moulded polymers. The material known as Accura 25 simulates polypropylene, while Accura 50 plastic simulates ABS, and Accura 60 simulates a common high- performance engineering plastic like Polycarbonate. All three now help moulders to make prototypes for applications in aerospace, automotive, electronic and medical industries.
From a production standpoint, the new grade recommended for Polycarbonate (Accura 60) is very efficient. It has very low viscosity, which makes it easy to build and easy to clean up, which ultimately results in good parts and rapid turnaround. The parts we have made so far have been impressive, with excellent accuracy, detail, rigidity, functionality and finish, and it has excellent optical clarity when clear coated. While Accura 60 parts can be used as functional prototypes, they are ideal for use in manufacturing applications as master patterns for moulds and expendable patterns for metal investment casting.