Sumitomo Chemical and Gutenberg Co., Ltd., which is leading the development of high-speed 3D printers produced in Japan, have jointly developed a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) filament and molding technology for 3D printers that use the FFF method.

3D-printed parts.

Robot hand housing.

Previous challenge in LCP for 3D printers

LCP is a super engineering plastic that combines heat resistance, high strength, low dielectric constant and low dissipation factor, and excellent dimensional stability. As a material for 3D printers, however, its use has been limited due to difficulties in filament formation and molding.

Proven technology for stable molding

To address these challenges, Sumitomo Chemical has developed a material design and filament formation technology for LCP suited to additive manufacturing.

Sumitomo Chemical has also collaborated with Gutenberg to examine the molding process and establish a technology that enables stable molding while controlling the unique molecular orientation of LCP.

This technology achieves high thermal conductivity and strength comparable to that of aluminum alloys, while also maintaining lightweight properties. This makes it possible to create complex shapes that are difficult to achieve with injection molding, while also meeting the needs of low-volume, high-mix production.

Accelerating development of new applications

Going forward, Sumitomo Chemical will expand its efforts into a wide range of fields, including peripheral components for semiconductor manufacturing, humanoid robot-related components that are expected to be put into practical use as physical AI advances, the communications field, and next-generation mobility fields such as eVTOL.

In addition, the company will accelerate the development of new applications by advancing evaluations of its filament and molded products in collaboration with customers. The company plans to begin providing samples of this filament in 2026, and it is also looking ahead to future expansion into the space and defense fields.

Sumitomo Chemical will continue to promote the provision of innovative materials and solutions that support next-generation manufacturing. In doing so, the company will contribute to the creation of new value and the development of society and industry.