DSM and Chromatic 3D Materials to develop 3D printing thermoset materials following investment round

Chromatic 3D Materials, a Minnesota-based materials developer for the 3D printing industry, has successfully closed a Series A financing round led by DSM Venturing, the VC arm of global science company Royal DSM. The two companies have also announced the signing of a preferred partnership through which Royal DSM will offer Chromatic 3D’s innovative process for 3D printing thermoset materials.

Through their collaboration, the companies plan to introduce Chromatic 3D’s thermoset materials to a range of industries for the production of finished 3D printed goods. Chromatic 3D has been a pioneer in the development of 3D printable thermosets, which include materials such as polyurethanes, silicones and epoxies. Compared to more traditional thermoplastics, thermosets offer a higher level of adaptability, durability and resistance, making them suitable for end-use parts.

“Additive manufacturing or 3D printing technology has the potential to fundamentally change the way products are manufactured—offering consumers personalized and customized products currently not feasible. This requires that manufacturers have a choice of the best combination of material, printing process and software for their application needs. With this partnership with Chromatic, we can offer our customers industrial-grade thermosets currently not available for additive manufacturing,”

Hugo da Silva, Vice President of Additive Manufacturing at DSM.

In the wake of its partnership agreement with Chromatic 3D, Royal DSM claims to now offer one of the broadest selections of 3D printing materials. Its portfolio also includes the industrial-grade engineering Novamid polyamide, Arnitel thermoplastic elastomer and the range of Somos materials for SLA and DLP.

Leveraging DSM’s global market access and Chromatic 3D’s patented process, the companies will also work together for the development of new thermoset materials. The first thermoset products to be offered by DSM include a range of industrial-grade soft and durable thermosets which are said to complement the company’s existing portfolio of FFF thermoplastics.

In developing new thermoset materials, the partners are investigating client needs in the markets such as footwear (specifically insole and midsole manufacturing), transportation, healthcare, electronics and tooling.

“Chromatic 3D Materials and DSM Additive Manufacturing have a shared vision to deliver high performance, industrial grade 3D Printing solutions to manufacturing. Together, we will make the dreams of industrial implementation of 3D Printing a reality,”

Cora Liebig, CEO and founder of Chromatic 3D Materials.