MSOE issues first-ever license for patent

MSOE issues first-ever license for patent

Milwaukee, Wis. – Tom Bray, dean of applied research at Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), announced today that MSOE has issued a license for its patented TetraLatticeTM technology to DSM-Somos of Elgin, Ill. to enhance the company’s product line of photo-curable rapid prototyping resins which are sold worldwide. This license illustrates MSOE’s leadership in the dynamic field of rapid prototyping.
The product name, as offered by DSM Somos®, will be “TetraShellTM.” The TetraShell software generates the TetraLattice structure within 3D computer drawings. These 3D drawings can be converted directly to a solid object through an additive manufacturing process, typically referred to as rapid prototyping, without the use of molds. The resulting physical three-dimensional part can be used for a range of prototyping and end use applications such as aerospace components, medical devices, under-the-hood automotive parts and consumer products. The TetraShell software enables the production of hollow, reduced density parts while maintaining structural integrity with the TetraLattice reinforcement.
This innovative software product was developed for DSM Somos through a collaboration between Belgium-based software company Materialise and MSOE. “TetraShell” is a proprietary DSM Somos customer support tool and will be offered to customers as a product enhancement.
MSOE is very excited about this development and the opportunity to collaborate with two other rapid prototyping industry leaders, DSM Somos and Materialise. Bray views this as the first of many licensed applications of the TetraLattice technology and other MSOE innovations emerging from the Applied Technology CenterTM he leads.
MSOE continues to be a leader in rapid prototyping technology and innovation with its growing 65-member Rapid Prototyping Consortium. There are ten state-of-the-art rapid prototyping systems on the MSOE campus. Sheku Kamara, director of Rapid Prototyping Center (RPC) operations adds, “MSOE makes a difference in how quickly new products are launched for many of our member companies. Our students also benefit from the RPC with the majority getting some exposure to the technology and many getting first-hand experience in applying the technology in their senior design projects.”
The licensed MSOE TetraLattice technology was invented by Vito Gervasi, who currently manages the Rapid Prototyping Research department, and Dr. Robert Crockett, former research faculty member at MSOE. According to Gervasi other applications of TetraLattice will make a difference in many industries, and of particular interest is in the area of medical implants, where a tissue in-growth structure enhances replacement parts for patients. Other applications of the technology include: tissue scaffolding, thermal management, impact absorption, and accuracy improvement for RP, filtration, and functionally graded materials.
About MSOE
MSOE is an independent university with about 2,600 students. MSOE offers 18 bachelor’s degrees and 10 master’s degrees in the engineering, engineering technology, architectural engineering and building construction, computer, business and health-related fields. MSOE has a strong history of providing students with a balance of theory and experience that prepares them to be competitive in today’s technically demanding careers.
About DSM Somos
DSM Somos® is an unincorporated subsidiary of DSM Desotech -a world leader in the development of specialty UV-curable materials-and a member of the global DSM family. The Somos business has earned a global reputation for stereolithography (SL) material innovation and has been actively involved in the development of rapid prototyping materials since the late 1980s. Today, DSM Somos continues to expand the rapid prototyping market with a full line of best-in-class ProtoFunctional® materials that replicate the performance of engineered thermoplastics, saving both time and money in new product development.
About Materialise Group
With its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium and branches all over the world, the Materialise Group is best known for its activities in the field of rapid industrial and medical prototyping. Apart from having the largest capacity of rapid prototyping equipment in Europe, Materialise enjoys a worldwide reputation as provider of innovative software solutions. As such, Materialise has acquired the position of market leader for 3D printing and Digital CAD software in addition to being a major player in medical and dental image processing and surgery simulation. The group has several subsidiaries in Europe, Asia and the USA, and employs over 500 people.