Sumitomo Chemical and Gutenberg Co., Ltd. Develop LCP Filament for 3D Printers
Accelerating the Development of High Value-Added Applications in Semiconductors, Communications, Next-Generation Mobility, and Other Fields

Sep. 1, 2026

Sumitomo Chemical and Gutenberg Co., Ltd. (“Gutenberg”), 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 ^(*1). The Company will accelerate the development of applications in next-generation fields, including functional components that contribute to advances in semiconductors and physical AI.

In recent years, materials capable of handling complex geometries, achieving weight reductions, and integrating parts have been receiving increased interest across advanced industrial fields. For this reason, design and manufacturing using 3D printers have attracted increasing attention. Amid this trend, there is a demand for not only freedom of design, but also for high functionality in resin materials themselves. 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.

To address these challenges, Sumitomo Chemical has developed a material design and filament formation technology for LCP suited to additive manufacturing. The Company also collaborated with Gutenberg, which develops, manufactures, and sells industrial 3D printers, 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 ^(*2), 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.

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 ^(*3). 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.

(*1) A 3D printing method in which thermoplastic resin is melted, extruded from a nozzle, and stacked layer by layer.
(*2) The Company evaluated the fracture strength of LCP and aluminum alloy under certain conditions using a test method compliant with standards set by the International Organization for Standardization.
(*3) Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft, commonly referred to as flying cars.

Reference

Robot hand that can operate under high-temperature conditions (video)

• Filming support and robot design by HALMONIUM
• This video was produced for demonstration purposes. The LCP robot hand shown in the video is not currently registered for food-grade applications. It may be used for food-related applications in the future if it were to obtain approval for such use.

Contact

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
Corporate Communications Dept.
https://www.sumitomo-chem.co.jp/english/contact/public/