Stratasys and Shin-Etsu unveil 3D-printable P3 Silicone 25A, combining true silicone properties with advanced additive manufacturing capabilities.
Stratasys Ltd., a leader in polymer-based 3D printing solutions, has officially launched P3™ Silicone 25A, a cutting-edge material developed in partnership with Shin-Etsu, a globally recognized expert in silicone technology. This new high-performance silicone has been specifically engineered for the Stratasys Origin® Digital Light Processing (DLP) platform, delivering performance that rivals conventionally molded silicone parts.
The introduction of P3 Silicone 25A addresses a longstanding challenge in industrial-grade 3D printing—producing parts with the elasticity, durability, and consistency of traditional silicone without relying on expensive, time-consuming injection molding processes. The material is optimized to produce flexible, end-use components that meet the stringent demands of various industries, particularly where precision, chemical resistance, and thermal endurance are critical.
This silicone material demonstrates robust mechanical properties and thermal reliability, having successfully undergone thermal aging tests up to 1,000 hours at 150°C. It also meets important industry standards for biocompatibility and flame retardancy, making it suitable for a broad range of use cases including wearables, seals, gaskets, vibration dampers, and soft-touch components.
In contrast to existing 3D printing solutions, which have often fallen short of matching the performance of traditionally molded silicone, P3 Silicone 25A offers a game-changing alternative. It allows manufacturers to bypass traditional tooling, cut down on lead times, and embrace low-volume, localized production without compromising on material quality.
This innovation is the result of a synergistic collaboration between Stratasys’ production-ready P3™ DLP technology and Shin-Etsu’s decades of expertise in silicone formulation. The result is a material that delivers both high precision in printing and reliability in end-use conditions.
Rich Garrity, Chief Business Unit Officer at Stratasys, emphasized the significance of material innovation in advancing additive manufacturing:
“The expansion of additive manufacturing in real-world production hinges on materials that perform to the level of traditional methods. Our work with Shin-Etsu brings exactly that—P3 Silicone 25A empowers manufacturers with the freedom of 3D printing combined with the trusted performance of true silicone.”
Makoto Ohara, representing Shin-Etsu Silicones Europe B.V., echoed the excitement:
“We are proud to work alongside Stratasys to introduce a truly 3D-printable silicone. P3 Silicone 25A showcases both the physical integrity and print detail that define authentic silicone, setting a new benchmark in the field.”
This launch is just the beginning of a broader roadmap. Stratasys and Shin-Etsu plan to expand the silicone material line with additional hardness grades and application-specific variations. P3 Silicone 25A is now available in the EMEA and APAC regions, with plans to launch in the Americas later this year.
