3D Printing

Stockwell Elastomerics uses 3D-printing to quickly create functional prototype parts, production jigs and inspection fixtures. Our team utilizes multiple printing technologies, from fused deposition modeling to stereolithography, and has deep experience with printing parts and silicone materials, aiding customers utilize printing to quickly scale parts from prototyping to production.

The 3D printer equipment list at Stockwell Elastomerics includes the following machines:

• Formlabs Form 4
• Formlabs Form 4L
• Markforged X7
• Ultimaker S5
• Lynxter S300X

Formlabs Form 4 for General Purpose

Stockwell Elastomerics uses a Formlabs Form 4 as its general-purpose printer. The Form 4 supports the use of dozens of resins, offers very fast print speeds, and has a build volume capable of printing multiple production and inspection fixtures as well as very small and precise silicone parts.

The Form 4 uses a version of masked stereolithography (MSLA) with a backlight and masking optics that hardens the resin into solid parts. With its high accuracy, surface finish, and part tolerances, the Form 4 can produce parts that are similar to injection-molded components in terms of appearance and fit.

Formlabs Form 4L for Large Formats, General Use, and Mold Fixturing

Stockwell Elastomerics uses a Formlabs Form 4L for the rapid production of large-format parts. The Form 4L supports many of same materials as the Form 4 but simplifies high-volume work.

This 3D printer also achieves tight dimensional tolerances and produces high-quality parts with smooth surfaces. Applications include rapid prototyping for testing form, fit, and function, and high-resolution inspection fixtures (<0.005” resolution)

Markforged X7 for Nylon Resins and Fixturing

Stockwell Elastomerics uses a Markforged X7 to produce nylon parts that can rival machined metal or aluminum ones in terms of strength, stiffness, and durability. This 3D printer uses continuous fiber reinforcement (CFR) to create functional prototypes and parts for aerospace and robotics applications. Applications also include fixtures.

The Markforged X7 supports the use of nylon, nylon blends, and other thermoplastic materials. Continuous fiber reinforcements include carbon fiber, flame-retardant carbon fiber, fiberglass, and aramid.

Ultimaker S5 for General Fixturing

Stockwell Elastomerics uses an Ultimaker S5 for general fixturing applications. This fused deposition modeling (FDM) printer features a large build volume and supports a wide range of materials. Options include PLA, tough PLA, ABS, nylon, CPE, CPE+, PC, PP, TPU 95A, and PVA. The Ultimaker S5 also supports printing with two different materials or in dual colors.

Compared to other types of 3D printers, the Ultimaker S5 excels at prototyping large, cost-effective, functional fixtures. Examples of parts printed in the past include general fixturing bodies as long as 4’ when bolted together.

Lynxter S300X for LSR and RTV Silicones

Stockwell Elastomerics uses a Lynxter S300X to print silicone parts made of liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone. Applications include components for soft robotics, seals and vibration dampeners, and medical components such as custom orthotic and prosthetic parts.

Using the S300X, Stockwell can print functional prototypes, using a wide range of production-grade, injection-mold ready silicone, allowing customers to test part function and material properties in days, not weeks.