DSM Contributes To First Chicago City Model With SOMOS® Resins

3D model to help promote Chicago’s bid for 2016 Olympic Games

In recognition of the centennial anniversary of Daniel Burnham’s first architectural Plan of Chicago (1909), and to help promote Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games, the Chicago Architecture Foundation today unveiled the first large-scale model of the city of Chicago, created largely via the stereolithography (SL) process using SOMOS® resins exclusively from DSM Desotech.

Each of the more than 1,000 building structures included in the “Chicago Model City Exhibition” were made from SOMOS® high-performance stereolithography resins, including WaterShed® XC 11122, ProtoGen™ Gray 18920, and SOMOS® 14122.

Chicago-based Columbian Model & Exhibit Works, along with the Chicago Architecture Foundation, chose rapid prototyping technology as the best way to create the model. After constructing accurate digital models of the buildings, rivers and roads, modelers then helped assemble and prepare the data for the stereolithography equipment that would create each part. “These buildings, made from SOMOS® material, were undeniably the best choice for models of this scale and importance. The buildings have outstanding detail, stability and are easy to finish and paint,” says Catherine Tinker of Columbian Model & Exhibit Works. In addition to supplying all SL resin needed for the project, DSM joined with Baxter Health Care and Molex to create each of the building structures used in the model. The Sears Tower, created by DSM using WaterShed® XC resin, stands approximately 35 inches tall and, at a scale of 50 feet to 1 inch, is approximately 600 times smaller than the actual structure. The entire city model encompasses an area of more than 800 square feet.

“We are extremely pleased to have been part of this historical project,” says DSM Somos Marketing Manager Vince Adams. “Not only does it showcase what stereolithography technology can achieve for the architectural community, but has allowed DSM to contribute to Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Games.”

The Chicago Model City Exhibition is on display from June 11 to November 20 at the Chicago Architecture Foundation building in downtown Chicago. In addition to the 3D model, the exhibition also includes photographs, maps, videos and digital visualizations.

About DSM Desotech
DSM Desotech (www.dsmdesotech.com) is a world leader in the development of high performance UV-curable materials. For the telecommunications industry, Desotech is the leading global supplier of UV-curable coatings, inks and matrix materials for the production of glass optical fiber and optical cable. In the rapid prototyping industry, DSM Desotech’s Somos® group is a leading innovator of UV-curable stereolithography resins. In 2007 DSM Desotech launched its UVention™ group, dedicated to the formulation of custom UV/EB curable coatings for a wide variety of industries seeking solutions for challenging performance requirements. In 2009 the company added two new business areas to its portfolio: UVolve® Instant Floor Coatings (www.UVolveCoatings.com) and UVaCorr® anti-corrosion coatings for tube and pipe applications (www.UVaCorr.com).
DSM Desotech is headquartered in Elgin, IL, USA, with facilities also located in Charlotte, NC, the Netherlands and China, as well as a joint venture in Japan. It is a business unit of DSM Resins and part of Royal DSM N.V. (www.dsm.com).

About DSM Somos
DSM Somos is an unincorporated subsidiary of DSM Desotech and one of the world’s leading material suppliers in rapid prototyping, providing stereolithography liquids used for the creation of three-dimensional models and prototypes directly from digital data. Somos’ patented ProtoFunctional® materials are used by a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical and telecommunications. More information about DSM Somos can be found at www.dsmsomos.com.

About DSM – the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company Royal DSM N.V. creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences that contribute to the quality of life. DSM’s products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and more enjoyable way of life. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrical and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM has annual net sales of EUR 9.3 billion and employs some 23,500 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information: www.dsm.com.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public interest and education in architecture and design. The Chicago Architecture Foundation pursues this mission through architecture tours, exhibitions, panel discussions, and youth and adult education programs. Home to a permanent exhibition: CHICAGO YOU ARE HERE, the Chicago Architecture Foundation is located at 224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604. For further information visit www.architecture.org or call 312.922.3432.

Chicago Architecture Foundation Unveils First Large-Scale Model of Chicago, Prototyped Exclusively with SOMOS® Resins from DSM, pg.3

Columbian Model & Exhibit Works, Ltd (www.cmew.biz) makes quality scale models and demonstrative exhibits. A Chicago based company, with a nationwide client base; the 19 year old firm combines depth of experience with the latest technologies – laser cutters and 3d printers to create unique, informative, and beautiful models and exhibits.

For more information:
Kim Axiotis DSM Desotech
Email: kim.axiotis@dsm.com