SILICONE for Direct Ink Writing (DIW)

With a wealth of in-house expertise, our company excels in employing silicone for Direct Ink Writing (DIW) applications. Our successful collaborations with industry partners include printing gasket seals, harsh environment enclosures, thermal-insulating sockets and more. The utilization of 3D printing with silicone is revolutionizing diverse industries, leveraging silicone’s flexibility, biocompatibility, and durability. For example, in healthcare, medical-grade silicone is enhancing prosthetics and personalized implants, while automotive and aerospace sectors are benefiting from custom gaskets and seals. The process employs various techniques apart from DIW, including direct motor driven extrusion for precise layer-by-layer deposition and the use of silicone-based inks or pastes in inkjet.

Silicone Parameters:

UV-Cured:

• UV Acrylic: Offers fast curing times and excellent adhesion to various

substrates.

• UV Epoxy: Known for its high mechanical strength and resistance to

environmental factors.

• UV Acrylic-Urethane: Combines the flexibility of urethanes with the durability

of acrylics.

• UV-Curable Epoxy Resin: Provides a strong, durable finish with excellent

chemical resistance.

Moisture-Cured:

• Acidic: Cures quickly upon exposure to moisture, commonly used in

construction applications.

• Alcohol-Based: Offers a neutral cure with minimal odor and is suitable for a

wide range of materials.

• Acetoxy: Known for its fast curing time and strong adhesion, but releases

acetic acid during curing.

• Oxime: Provides a neutral cure, ideal for applications where corrosion of

metal substrates is a concern.

SILICONE for Direct Ink Writing industrial applications

Suction Cups for production lines

3D printing with silicones opens a new chapter in thinking about soft robotics, expands the possibilities to achieve complex geometries and speeds up the emergence of scientific breakthroughs.

It’s not just the domain of science – production lines also use a variety of grippers and manipulators. That’s why we have also decided to test the F-NIS – it turns out that it is an excellent machine also for the development of the science of soft robotics.

The seamless integration of F-NIS 23151 silicone 3D printing with metal elements represents a revolutionary approach to optimizing production lines. This innovative technology reinforces the reliability and longevity of suction cups and brings about many benefits for the production industry. Bellows and calyx suction cups have proven effective according to testing with robotic arms. These tests have showcased their unparalleled ability to meet the dynamic challenges posed by modern production environments. As a result, soft robotics in manufacturing has leaped forward, promising more efficiency, precision, and adaptability.

Using silicone as a printable material provides tremendous opportunities due to its exceptional elasticity and resistance to various environmental conditions. By F-NIS, we can create not only suction cups but also intricate structures and mechanisms using this revolutionary material.

Soft Gripper / 3D-printed soft robotics

We tested our F-NIS 23151 printed gripper with a robot arm and an egg. We handled it very carefully, examining the stability and gentleness of the material so as not to damage the delicate load. Incorporating F-NIS into our experiments has revealed its multifaceted capabilities and positioned it as an invaluable tool for promoting progress in the complex landscape of soft robotics.

Precision 3D Silicone Printing with F-NIS: Enhancing Soft Robotics​.  The decision to delve into the capabilities of F-NIS 23151 technology was born out of its impressive adaptability within the scientific community, making it a valuable asset for advancing the field of soft robotics. The potential of 3D silicone printing, propelled by F-NIS, reaches far beyond the confines of academic research. It finds tangible utility in the dynamic domain of soft robotics, where a diverse array of grippers and manipulators is pivotal in optimizing various industrial processes. The fusion of F-NIS technology with a robotic arm creates a mesmerizing synergy, emphasizing the delicate yet efficient art of manipulation. Through meticulous trials involving an egg, we shed light on the vast potential of this partnership. We carefully navigate the fine line between ensuring a secure grip on fragile cargo and preserving its inherent fragility. As soft robotics ventures into uncharted dimensions with 3D silicone printing, the adaptable F-NIS technology emerges as a versatile conduit. It serves as a catalyst for scientific advancement and an enabler of innovative solutions within industrial production. Positioned at the intersection of scientific exploration and industrial progress, the collaboration between F-NIS and soft robotics clears the path for groundbreaking research. It enhances the capabilities of production lines through the seamless integration of precision grippers.

Integrating F-NIS technology into 3D silicone printing has proven to be a transformative force in soft robotics and industrial applications. This collaborative journey has showcased the delicate balance between technology and fragility and the potential for F-NIS to revolutionize scientific research and production processes. With precision and care, F-NIS technology is paving the way for a future where soft robotics reaches new heights of efficiency and innovation.

Custom O-ring, Gaskets and Seals

Thanks to the ability to print virtually any type of silicone, F-NIS is a perfect tool for printing gaskets of all shapes and sizes. As creators of industrial machines and operators of an additive manufacturing production plant, we ourselves use this capability to produce custom-fit utensils for our needs.

F-NIS technology allows us to efficiently produce O-rings with complex cross-sections. This capability enables us to meet the specific demands of, for example, the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries, where precise and customized sealing solutions are crucial. By leveraging the flexibility of 3D printing, F-NIS empowers us to iterate and optimize the design of O-rings rapidly. This versatility eliminates the need for molds and production lines, enabling us to create individual functional seals on demand. For instance, we can manufacture industrial silicone seals that meet sanitary standards while maintaining total flexibility despite the layered structure inherent to 3D printing technology. Our iterative approach ensures our clients receive the most effective and reliable sealing solutions for their unique applications.