Ultra-smooth 3D-printed rubber parts
September 26, 2022 | By Monica Ferguson
Photo: Chromatic 3D Material. Photo: Chromatic 3D Material.
Chromatic 3D Materials developed Smooth-Mode technology for 3D printing of durable rubber parts with ultra-smooth surfaces at commercial volumes. With this technology, industrial manufacturers can 3D print smooth polyurethane parts, such as seals, gaskets, grommets, bladders and other elastomeric products, with no post-processing or surface finishing.
“Sealing requires a smooth surface, but 3D-printed parts have always had layer lines or roughness. We have developed a way to easily and cost-effectively 3D print products that are ultra-smooth without additional steps,” said Dr. Cora Leibig, CEO and founder, Chromatic. “It’s a breakthrough for 3D printing those professional applications that must be airtight and watertight.”
Parts printed with Smooth-Mode technology have finer dimensional accuracy. For example, products can be printed with precise uniform thickness at submillimeter scale. The technology is suitable for manufacturing rubber bladders and other elastomeric products that expand and contract.
