In order to create such resins Lanxess is working together with 3D printing companies. Based on Adiprene LF pPDI (para-phenylene diisocyanate) prepolymers, these high performance resins are, according to the company "easy to process and safe for industrial manufacturers as well as for the casual home, office or retail user".

The footwear industry, as a key user of 3D printing technology for midsole, upper, and structural components such as heels and toes, will be a focus for Lanxess.

"Footwear components are designed to require both very soft and more rigid elastomers. The wide flexibility to formulate LF prepolymers into printable resins enables 3D printers to drive toward mass customization, enabling printing across a wide range of hardness from very soft elastomers for cushioning to the more structural shoe elements", Lanxess commented.

Adiprene LF pPDI prepolymers are designed to provide superior resistance to low and high temperatures, excellent toughness, and superior resistance to chemicals and abrasion. In addition, footwear components benefit from higher flexural fatigue resistance and cold temperature flex performance down to - 20 °C.