Why Print Urethane Elastomers Directly “On” Materials?

At the forefront of additive manufacturing, Chromatic 3D Materials' RX-AM™ technology enables direct printing of durable elastomers onto a diverse range of substrates—from metals to materials as varied as leather and polycarbonate. This innovative approach not only improves existing manufacturing processes but also unlocks new design possibilities.

Design Advantages of Printing Directly on Substrates

Printing urethane elastomers directly onto other materials offers several key benefits for designers, engineers, and manufacturers:

• Streamlined Production
  Eliminate the need for secondary assembly steps. Printing and assembly become one, reducing time and labor costs.

• Enhanced Durability
  Directly bonding elastomers to substrates removes potential failure points associated with adhesives, resulting in more robust, longer-lasting components.

• Complex, Multi-Material Parts
  Designers can now create unique parts that combine rigid and flexible elements—such as waterproof housings for electronics or ergonomic handles—which were previously difficult or impossible to manufacture using traditional methods.

• Customization & Prototyping
  Iterate on designs and produce customized solutions for specific applications, from medical devices to industrial machinery.

Applications Benefiting From Multi-Material Printing

The unique properties of urethane elastomers—flexibility, durability, and resistance to abrasion—make them indispensable in a variety of fields, especially when combined with other materials:

• Seals & Gaskets
  Used in the oil and gas sector for seals that can withstand harsh environments, ensuring the integrity of steel pipelines.

• Machinery Components
  Elastomeric vibration dampers are essential in automotive, aerospace, and household appliances, providing cushioning where metal components interface.

• Footwear
  The consumer shoe industry leverages elastomers for cushioning soles and ergonomic designs, enhancing comfort and performance.

• Medical Devices
  Flexible, biocompatible urethane elastomers are used in patient-contact devices, ensuring safety and comfort.

• Wearable Technology
  Chromatic’s collaboration with Dutch designer Anouk Wipprecht led to a motion-activated dress with embedded LEDs, showcasing the integration of electronics within 3D-printed elastomers directly on fabric.

Explore the Possibilities:

Substrate

Copper

Polycarbonate

Leather

Fabric

Example Application

Electrical connectors

Protective housings

Wearable tech/fashion

Smart clothing

The Future of Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing

Chromatic 3D Materials’ advancements in printing elastomers directly onto diverse substrates not only streamline manufacturing but also enable new, innovative designs across industries.

What will you create with direct-printed elastomers?

Ready to learn more or see a demonstration? Contact bgafvert@c3dm.com or explore our resources for a deeper dive into RX-AM™ technology and its endless possibilities. www.youtube.com/@Chromatic3DMaterials