Somos® PerFORM Reflect™

Somos® PerFORM Reflect™ for Heat-Resistant Functional Parts

Technical Overview

Somos® PerFORM Reflect™ is a composite stereolithography material engineered for demanding applications where thermal stability and stiffness are critical. It utilizes a patented technology that integrates an orange pigment, allowing parts to be used for Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) wind tunnel testing directly off the printer. This innovation eliminates the need for the time-consuming painting and coating steps required with traditional materials, dramatically accelerating the aerodynamic design and validation process.

Performance Section: Mechanical Strength and Stiffness

With a high flexural modulus and excellent tensile strength, this material produces exceptionally stiff and durable components. Parts exhibit high dimensional stability and accuracy, making PerFORM Reflect ideal for creating defined manufacturing aids like tooling, jigs, and fixtures, as well as functional components that must withstand significant mechanical stress.

Performance Section: High Thermal Resistance

This material offers superior performance in high-temperature environments. After a thermal post-cure process, parts achieve a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of up to 276°C (529°F), ensuring they maintain their structural integrity and dimensional accuracy during high-temperature testing or in under-hood automotive applications.

Design and Processing Considerations

Designed for use with stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing systems, Somos® PerFORM Reflect™ has a low viscosity for fast and reliable processing. Its formulation delivers a smooth surface finish that minimizes the need for manual finishing, further accelerating production workflows. Final mechanical and thermal properties are dependent on the chosen UV or thermal post-curing cycle, allowing performance to be tailored to specific application requirements.

Lifecycle Section: From Aerodynamic Prototypes to Production Tooling

The unique properties of PerFORM Reflect make it a versatile material suitable for multiple stages of the product lifecycle. It excels in the rapid prototyping of aerodynamic models for design iteration and is equally capable of producing end-use parts, such as electrical casings and automotive housings, or durable tooling for short-run manufacturing.