Statasys Inc.has added a black high-performance thermoplastic to its 3D prototyping technology.

The firm says black Ultem 9085 from Sabic Innovative Plastics has high strength, light weight and flame, smoke and toxicity ratings that make it especially valuable in transportation components prototyping.

“The majority of our tan Ultem users have requested the material also be available in black, because it gives a uniform look to product assemblies,” notes Stratasys business development director Fred Fischer. Black also hides dirt and grease in assemblies and eliminates the need for post-mold painting.

The black material’s impact strength and light weight also makes it well suited to aerospace prototypes, according to the company Construction, agriculture and industrial equipment are other potential markets, claims Stratasys.

Stratasys debuted the black material option at the SEMA Show Oct. 30 in Las Vegas.

Stratasys is based in Minneapolis, and runs a European office in Frankfurt, Germany.

Tel. 49-69-420-9943-0, fax 49-69-420-9943-33, email Europe@stratasys.com.