TetraShell ™
TetraShell ™ comes from DSM Somos, a major resin supplier to the Stereolithography market. It is based upon the patented technology from Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) and allows the creation of hollow parts filled with a lattice structure.
Full control over the skin thickness, mesh size and element diameter rests with the operator, allowing the structure to be tailored to suit the application.
Once created the part can be built using Stereolithography or Laser Sintering in a variety of material options, ranging from PP like materials through to ceramic filled materials or even glass filled nylon (SLS).
For additional strength and subject to part/structure size, the component can then be plated with nickel to give a very stiff yet lightweight structure.
Applications range from a simple reduction in build time and resin consumption on large thick walled parts to the creation of innovative lightweight low volume manufacturing solutions. (The picture above is of a Stereolithography part built using TetraShell and nickel plated)
Doubtless other applications will emerge in time, meanwhile should you have any questions please contact Plunkett Associates.