WEBINAR
Join us to learn how using our 3D-printed materials can benefit you by creating durable masking solutions that are reusable and easy to produce.
FEATURED SERIES
Everything you need to know about 3D printing with elastomers
This series of articles answers everything from the basics like “What are elastomers?” to detailed considerations that product designers, engineers and other users of additive manufacturing technology must consider when choosing materials and 3D printing hardware.
Protective Polyurethanes: Create Durable Masking Solutions
Join us to learn how using our 3D-printed materials can benefit you by creating durable masking solutions that are reusable and easy to produce. This educational webinar will be presented by Jeff Tronnes, a 3D Printing industry expert from Chromatic 3D Materials. It will focus on the benefits of creating flexible and cost-effective 3D printed parts that will protect the not-target surfaces while other areas undergo sanding, polishing, sandblasting or other types of aggressive finish work. We are a solution provider. Let us help you solve your problem.
Unleashing New Potential: Printed Urethanes on Composites
In this post, we’ll explore how combining urethane additive manufacturing with diverse substrates unlocks new potential for enhanced product designs, durability and customization.
Printing Urethanes onto Fabrics and Textiles
In this post, we’ll explore how combining urethane additive manufacturing with diverse substrates unlocks new potential for enhanced product designs, durability and customization.
Advancing Innovation: Printing Urethanes on Metal
In this post, we’ll explore how combining urethane additive manufacturing with diverse substrates unlocks new potential for enhanced product designs, durability and customization.
Webinar: Stretching the Boundaries of Elastomer Fabrication
Webinar: Stretching the Boundaries of Elastomer Fabrication
Join us to learn about Stretching the Boundaries of Elastomer Fabrication in this educational webinar presented by Dr. Cora Leibig, CEO and Founder of Chromatic 3D Materials. Our Minneapolis-based manufacturing technology company combines industrial chemistry and 3D printing to make manufacturing more flexible, cost-effective and sustainable.
The Best 3D Printed Elastomers for Machining
The quest for efficiency, cost effectiveness and flexibility is a perpetual in industrial manufacturing. Among the multitude of components produced worldwide, elastomeric seals are primed for innovation and advancement.
Sourcing Irregular Parts: 3D Printing a Rail Buffer
Our customer was trying to source a buffer for a 1967 bogie. With no material data and only an old 2D drawing, Chromatic 3D Materials created a 3D model and printed this buffer directly onto a metal bolt, reducing the need for assembly. The buffer passed all necessary testing and avoided a time-consuming and costly traditional manufacturing method.
Tractor Pad Printed on Metal
Chromatic 3D Materials printed polyurethane track pads directly onto aluminium plates for a vintage John Deere tractor. The tractor pads offer exceptional strength and durability, outperforming all other considered materials.
Leading automotive supplier avoids multi-million-dollar shutdown with 3D-printed rubber parts
Valeo is a leading supplier and partner to automakers worldwide. In August 2022, the company learned that one of its long-time suppliers was closing down.
Save time and cost with 3D-printed on-demand vulcanizable cable grommets
Used in a range of applications, including automotive, electronics, off-highway equipment and industrial machinery, vulcanized cable grommets offer protection between cables and metal components. Over time, cable grommets wear and need replacement. To install a new cable grommet, the cables typically need to be clamped, pulled through the new grommet and reconnected. Replacement can take a lot of time and requires a certified electrician.
Ein neuer Weg, Dichtungen effizienterund nachhaltiger herzustellenund nachhaltiger herzuste
BRANCHENÜBERGREIFEND MASCHINENUND ANLAGEN – Im Bereich der industriellen Fertigung ist die Suche nach Effizi-enz, Kosteneffektivität und Flexibilität eine permanente Herausforderung. Unter der Vielzahl von hergestellten Komponenten sind elastomere Dichtungen besonders „reif für eine Revolution“. Als ein komplexes Produkt gibt es bei Dichtungen ein einzigartiges Fertigungsproblem.
Commercial Applications for 3D-Printed Elastomers
Today’s $250-million market for 3D-printed elastomers represents only a small fraction of the $90-billion global elastomer market.
But that is changing. Rubber manufacturers and OEMs that use or produce elastomers are starting to explore 3D printing for a range of applications spanning industrial and consumer goods. From prototypes to finished components and aftermarket parts, the elastomers industry is getting on board with additive manufacturing.
Chromatic Expands Into Printable Rigid Materials with Debut of ChromaMotive™ D65
Chromatic 3D Materials is a 3D-printing technology company focused on more flexible, cost-effective and sustainable manufacturing of industrial-strength elastomeric products. Its portfolio includes printable polyurethanes and other thermoset elastomers for applications in transportation, industrial seals and gaskets, textiles, medical devices and defense. Chromatic’s RX-AM™ materials and technology platform is based on Reactive Extrusion Additive Manufacturing, a type of deposition 3D printing that uses chemical reactions. Founded in 2016 by CEO Dr. Cora Leibig, Chromatic now has facilities in the US and Germany. The company serves more than 50 customers and development partners globally. Visit c3dm.com to learn more.
The Business Case for 3D Printing Elastomers
Additive manufacturing can yield many benefits for your project, including unique designs, lower tooling costs, lead-time reduction and low-cost small-batch production (for replacement parts, for example). However, given the size of the elastomer 3D printing market compared to the overall elastomer market—$0.5 billion versus $90 billion—it's clear that many engineers working with elastomers have yet to adopt additive manufacturing. It's helpful to start with high-level business considerations first.
An Introduction to Elastomers: A Type of Flexible & Durable Materials
At Chromatic 3D Materials, people often ask us about the difference between flexible materials like elastomers and rubber. A portmanteau of “elastic polymer,” elastomers are engineered materials comprised of long chainlike molecules, or polymers, that are capable of recovering their original shape after being stretched to great extents.
Elastomer Additive Manufacturing: Processes & Materials
Additive manufacturing is less common for elastomers than for plastics. There are several reasons why. The material is soft and flexible. It also deforms under stress, making it hard to manipulate during the 3D printing process. To overcome these challenges, specialized 3D-printing technologies and materials have been developed for printing elastomers.
Mass Production Creates Supply Chain Nightmares. Let’s Prevent Them.
Whether it’s skyrocketing egg prices in the grocery aisle or an automobile purchase that’s been delayed for months on end due to the chip shortage, supply chain challenges have never been more obvious to consumers. But the problem started long ago — even before the pandemic laid bare the shortcomings of mass production.
2023 Is Time to Get Practical in the Additive Manufacturing Industry
A few thoughts from our Founder & CEO Cora Leibig as we close out the year
Heading into 2023, I have one thing on my mind: How are 3D-printing companies meeting manufacturers' needs and taking their products to market?
How to Smooth 3D-Printed Plastic Parts
Whether for form or function, many plastic parts need to be smooth. Unfortunately, additive manufacturing typically produces horizontal lines where each layer joins the next. Thus, surface finishing is often necessary before 3D-printed parts are ready for use. There are a number of ways to smooth out plastic parts produced by additive manufacturing.
Are 3D-Printed Polyurethanes Durable?
Unfortunately, 3D printing has earned a reputation as a crutch for printing throw-away novelties or prototypes. With recent advances in technology, that's no longer true. In this article, we dispel some common myths about additive manufacturing and PU.