Arkema and Carbon are strengthening a materials collaboration that has run for more than 13 years around Carbon's Digital Light Synthesis technology. Going forward they plan to develop further consumer-grade elastomers. The aim is to open more consumer applications such as footwear, sporting goods and protective gear.
Key facts
Collaboration has run for over 13 years on Digital Light Synthesis materials
EPU Pro is used by Vivobarefoot for custom footwear
EPU 45 supports 3D printed football helmets
Focus ahead: consumer-grade elastomers
Context Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) is Carbon's resin process that cures liquid photopolymer with light, and dual-cure and elastomeric resins are among the materials used with it.
What are the two companies doing?
France-based Arkema develops and supplies 3D printing consumables, including thermoplastic pellets and powders and UV-curable liquid resins, often co-developing materials with printer makers. Carbon offers a portfolio that is mostly its own, covering rigid dual-cure, dental and elastomeric resins. Many of the elastomers were co-developed with Arkema. The partners will keep developing consumer-grade elastomers.
Which products already use these elastomers?
Carbon's elastomers allow lattice structures tuned for cushioning, support and energy return. EPU Pro is used by Vivobarefoot for custom footwear. EPU 46 serves bike saddles and midsoles. EPU 45, with energy damping, has been important for 3D printed football helmets.
What it means
The announcement names no new material, date or volume, so it signals direction rather than a product. For European manufacturers, the practical point is that elastomer resins for series consumer parts come from long co-development between a resin chemist and a printer maker, which shapes supply and qualification. Companies considering such parts should ask how a resin is validated on the specific printer and what continuity the supplier relationship offers.
Frequently asked questions
How long have Arkema and Carbon worked together?
For more than 13 years, developing materials for Carbon's Digital Light Synthesis technology.
What will the partners develop next?
They plan to continue developing consumer-grade elastomers to unlock further consumer applications.