Nexa3D and Henkel Introduce xFLEX 475 Light-Cure Elastomeric Material

Nexa3D, maker of ultra-high-speed polymer 3D printers, today announced a partnership with Henkel to launch xFLEX 475, a leading soft rubber material ideal for the production of additively manufactured industrial and consumer products
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In the high-growth elastomer market, customers now have access to this industrial-strength material for applications such as pipes and manifolds, handles and grips, seals and gaskets or sportswear and shoe soles that require elasticity, resilience and resistance Torn application
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The material also boasts an impressive elongation at break of up to 150% and an excellent energy return of up to 50%
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The new xFLEX 475 material is available in two colors: black and white, and is available immediately through Nexa3D's growing network of resellers
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The expanding collaboration between Nexa3D and Henkel combines the proven capabilities of both companies to leverage the productivity advantages of its ultra-fast NXE 400 3D printer to rapidly enable additive manufacturing to enable mass production of functional parts across multiple industries
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No other manufacturing process offers so many possibilities to increase design flexibility and supply chain resiliency with ultra-fast implementation at every stage of the product life cycle
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Combining the productivity of Nexa3D with Henkel's rapidly expanding suite of functional polymers enables customers to manufacture a wider range of components, such as protectors, as well as handles, hoses and pipes, gaskets and seals, footwear components and tools, for higher performance and functionality
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Kevin McAlea, COO of Nexa3D, explained: “The productivity and performance of mass production applications can only be maximized when manufacturers have access to both ultra-fast 3D printer technology and advanced polymers
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Historically, during prototyping, Manufacturers can 3D print models that are aesthetically pleasing, but they are not durable
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Or they produce functional parts that don't match the aesthetic requirements of the part
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We believe manufacturers should no longer compromise
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Our close partnership with Henkel enables We were able to expand our suite of functional light-cured plastics and light-cured elastomeric materials, so customers can produce functional prototypes and mass-produced parts that have both an aesthetically pleasing surface finish and the durability they need
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Simon Mawson, Senior Vice President and Global Head of 3D Printing at Henkel, explained: “Henkel’s portfolio of photocurable and photocurable elastomeric materials is tailored for the high throughput of the NXE 400 ultra-high-speed 3D printer, enabling design and manufacturing engineers Able to work best in rapid prototyping and mass production
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We plan to further strengthen our collaboration with the Nexa3D team and rapidly expand our materials portfolio to help make rapid prototyping and mass production of functional parts easier
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