Introduction
Swiss researchers have developed a new class of 3D-printable material that could change how durable printed parts can be.
The Breakthrough
Engineers at EPFL created a rubber-like elastomer, referred to as DNGE, that is roughly 15 times tougher than standard 3D-printing resins, resisting cracking and snapping even under significant mechanical stress.
Why Toughness Matters
Many 3D-printed parts today are limited to prototypes or low-stress applications because standard printing materials are brittle compared with traditionally manufactured plastics. A dramatically tougher printable material expands what can realistically be produced using additive manufacturing.
Potential Applications
Researchers point to possible uses in wearable devices, flexible mechanical components, and parts that need to absorb repeated impact or stress without failing, areas where standard printed resins have historically struggled.
What Comes Next
As with most materials science breakthroughs, scaling from lab-scale demonstrations to commercially available printing filament will take further development, but the underlying chemistry offers a promising new direction for tougher 3D-printed products.
EPFL Engineers Create a 3D-Printable Material 15 Times Tougher Than Standard Resins
Tonerland Team • August 5, 2026 • 5 min read
The new elastomer, called DNGE, resists cracking and snapping under pressure, opening doors for tougher 3D-printed parts.
Why It Matters
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