Know Your Materials: Rigur (RGD450)

Rigur is also known as RGD450 and is an advanced simulated polypropylene photo-polymer with improved toughness, increased dimensional stability and great surface finish. Offered in a bright white color, this material is ideal for flexible closures and living hinges; reusable containers and packaging; and white appliances including consumer goods, household appliances, consumer electronics and automotive parts.

Rigur can combine with other digital materials to offer a range of grey color and Shore A options, expanding its potential applications. It runs on all currently available PolyJet 3D Printing systems and is one of the only materials to straddle the fine line between basic prototyping and high-end advanced functional prototyping.

Printing Technology: PolyJet 

Stratasys 3D printers powered by PolyJet Photopolymers provide levels of detail and realism in their finished products that exceed other 3D printing technologies. It is the only technology with the ability to both simulate a variety of materials and engineering plastics and combine colors and material into one finished product. Their fine resolution makes complex shapes, intricate details and smooth surfaces possible. 

PolyJet 3D Printing works by jetting layers of liquid photopolymer onto a build tray and instantly curing them with UV light. The fine layers build up to create a precise 3D model or prototype. Models are ready to handle right out of the 3D printer, with no post
curing needed.

Helpful Tips and Tricks To Remember

As with any 3D printing material, there are some important things to note when printing with Rigur that will help you get the most out of the material:

• For best results, and to keep your print heads in the best condition, run the Head Cleaning Wizard after each Rigur print job.
• When removing support material be sure to keep cleaning time to a  minimum as too much exposure to water or caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) can cause deformations or damage the printed parts. 
• You will need to dry the material RGD450 parts thoroughly for the best results. You can use the following methods, as needed:
  • Use an air blower to remove excess water from parts.
  • Place parts on a dry surface or on a drying rack.
  • Orientate parts so that they dry effectively, making sure that areas that trap water are exposed.
  • Orientate parts so that there is minimal strain on thin walls
• If parts printed with Rigur RGD450 Plus have a yellowish tint, don’t worry as the tint will fade naturally over time. You can greatly accelerate this process by using a suitable
  photobleaching treatment. This involves exposing parts to intense fluorescent light.

Learn more about Rigur (RGD450)

This article is just meant as an introduction to this material. For additional details and specifics about all that it can do, take a look at some of our related content:

• Download the Rigur material data sheet
• Download the PolyJet Systems and Materials Matrix

Want to learn more about which Stratasys 3D printing material is right for your application? Download our 3D Printer Material Guide below.