Chromatic’s RX-Flow™ printers are said to be a low-cost option for manufacturers interested in testing and implementing industrial 3D printing with more durable, flexible materials, such as 2K polyurethane. (Photo: PRNewswire/Chromatic 3D Materials)
November 15, 2022
MINNEAPOLIS—Chromatic 3D Materials is launching a new line of 3D printers for reactive extrusion additive manufacturing with thermoset polyurethanes. The new printers are designed for development work and low-volume industrial production, the company said in a release.
Chromatic said its RX-Flow™ printers are a low-cost option for manufacturers interested in testing and implementing industrial 3D printing with more durable, flexible materials than are available with FDM, SLA, and other 3D printing technologies. They are based on the company’s proprietary RX-AM™ materials and technology platform, which is specifically designed for 3D printing thermoset elastomers, such as 2k polyurethanes.
The printers include control systems and instrumentation designed for printing with Chromatic materials and software, according to the release.
“There are many manufacturers who want to test drive 3D printing with thermoset engineering materials but find industrial 3D printers cost prohibitive,” said Chromatic CEO Cora Leibig, Ph.D., in the release. “Our new line of R&D printers gives them a budget-friendly way to demonstrate proof of concept and take their first steps toward industrial-scale 3D printing with new technologies like reactive extrusion additive manufacturing.”
The printers carry a CE mark and are reportedly capable of producing up to 800 g/hr. They include a T-track aluminum table and lead screw drive system, and are said to retail at “roughly 25 percent of the price of typical industrial 3D printers,” according to the release.
Chromatic offers R&D printers in two sizes. The RX-Flow™ 3500 measures 18.9 inches x 29.3 inches x 7.63 inches (479mm x 743mm x 194mm). The RX-Flow™ 7000 is 26.75 inches x 41.1 inches x 7.63 inches (680mm x 1040mm x 194mm). Bespoke printers for larger volume industrial production are available on request, the company said.
Chromatic is offering monthly technical service subscriptions for purchase with each printer. Materials available for purchase are said to include printable polyurethanes with Shore A hardness ranging from 50 to 90. The company said it also provides custom materials with a variety of colors, hardness, and special properties, such as antibacterial, static discharge, and biocidal.
Chromatic 3D Materials is a 3D-printing technology company that focuses on more flexible, cost-effective, and sustainable manufacturing of industrial-strength elastomeric products. Its portfolio is reported to include printable polyurethanes and other thermoset elastomers for applications in transportation, industrial seals and gaskets, textiles, medical devices, and defense.
Subscribe Now
Design-2-Part Magazine
Get the manufacturing industry news and features you need for free in a format you like.
