Compared with the main materials used at present, polyurethane reactive resin 3D printing has advantages in the textile industry. Curing the Wevo reactive resin does not require a light source, as the mixture of resin and hardener components causes the chemical reaction to begin immediately after print head assignment.

Liquid Additive Manufacturing (LAM) enables the printing of components onto textiles using polyurethane as a material.

Additive manufacturing or 3D printing is now widely used in smart textiles, filter media, and fuel cell membranes, applications that require components to be deployed on textiles. These components are now used by light-curing polymers or silicones. Wevo-chemie, based in Ostfildern-Kemnat, Germany, has developed tailored polyurethane reactive resins that improve the processing conditions and durability of such components when applied to the LAM 3D printing process.

3D printing offers greater design freedom, optimizes existing functions of textiles and textile components, and brings new ones. Polyurethane reactive resins also offer a number of special advantages over the materials used primarily to date.

In the LAM process, the two reactive liquid components are usually mixed in a mixing and metering device and printed directly on the textile. This does not require similar support in SLA light curing 3D printing processes. Wevo's LAM product achieves the desired material properties by adding thixotropic additives to regulate stability and the catalyst used to fine-tune the reaction time.

In addition, curing the Wevo reactive resin does not require a light source, as the mixture of resin and hardener components causes chemical reactions to begin immediately after print head assignment. The exact curing time of the product -- usually just a few minutes -- can be adjusted individually by adding a catalyst. The use of infrared (IR) heaters can further reduce the processing time.

The chemical structures in polyurethane are very similar to those in polyamide, polyester, polyacrylonitrile, and elastic fibers, resulting in hydrogen bonds that bind the material to synthetic fibers significantly better than silicone. In addition, polyurethane wets fibers well without penetrating, making textiles very durable.

The use of a polyol component in the resin formulation of Wevo products allows the combination with application specific hardener components to adjust the mechanical properties of the product between very soft, elastic and very hard. This results in very good chemical resistance, for example to disinfectants and surfactants in dry cleaning. The further modification of this material enhances the hydrophobicity and water repellency of the textile -- low water absorption, thus improving the washing resistance.

Wevo products can be functionally customized according to individual needs. For example, they can achieve the flame retardant properties used in the manufacture of protective clothing, as well as temperature regulation through the addition of phase change materials (PCM) or thermal conducting fillers. Electrical conductivity and/or antistatic properties can also be adjusted in smart textiles (e.g., sensor applications) or textile heating fabrics (e.g., car seat heaters).

Wevo products can be used for a variety of potential applications, from designer and decorative elements to structural reinforcement or logo and alphabet applications. Conductive adhesives and inks can also be used to bind electrical and electronic components, such as sensors or antennas. These resins can also be used to package peripheral devices such as sensors, leds, batteries, power units or circuit boards in smart textiles. In the field of membrane technology, reactive resins can be used to seal and bond fiber pads, for example in the manufacture of nonwoven fabrics, and can be used in filtration technologies or fuel cell assemblies.

Wevo is an expert in casting, bonding and sealing. They develop and manufacture resin systems, as well as adhesives and sealants, primarily for electrical and electronic equipment, especially automotive electronics. Wevo products protect sensitive electronic components from moisture, chemicals, heat, dust and foreign matter, ensuring safety and efficiency. 75 years of material science and product development combined with rigorous quality control experience enable Wevo to deliver indispensable value to its customers.