Chromatic 3D Materials launches rapid custom manufacturing services for rubber parts

Minneapolis, MN — Chromatic 3D Materials, an additive manufacturing technology provider, has launched a new custom-manufacturing service for durable polyurethane parts with fast delivery and simplified pricing. The company is offering standard industrial shapes including gaskets, seals, cylinders and grommets in customizable, nonstandard dimensions up to 16 inches in diameter. This service will help manufacturers increase supply chain resilience, boost efficiency and reduce waste.

Chromatic’s parts are made with a novel 3D-printing technology called reactive extrusion additive manufacturing. The process yields parts with the same durability as molded parts but shorter production timelines and more competitive pricing. Typical delivery is two to three weeks, with an option to have select parts delivered in as few as five business days for an additional fee. Because no tooling is required with 3D printing — and thus there are no tooling costs — pricing is highly competitive with conventional molded parts. For example, grommets are available for as little as $2 per inch (based on the hole diameter).

Manufacturers that order custom parts from Chromatic may also find they can make new claims around waste and circularity. Chromatic’s 3D-printing process decreases material waste up to 90% versus technologies like injection molding. Moreover, printing rubber parts reduces the need for overstocking, therefore limiting the number of obsolete parts that companies must landfill.

“Manufacturers should not have to rely on overstocking in order to run a reliable business, but increasing supply chain failures put them in a tough position. OEMs come to Chromatic on a regular basis because they can’t get a hold of common parts. That’s why we are launching our rapid custom manufacturing business. Now companies can quickly and cost-effectively source one part or one million — and keep their customers happy,” said Dr. Cora Leibig, Chromatic founder and CEO.

Chromatic’s parts are made with ChromaFlow 70 and and ChromaFlow 90, thermoset polyurethanes with Shore A hardnesses of 70 and 90, respectively. Both material grades offer the same three-dimensional strength and compression set as injection-molded parts.

Chromatic’s service has already been adopted by leading automotive and industrial suppliers in Europe and the US.