3D Printing of Silicone Parts Using Progressive Cavity Dosing Systems

From smartphones and medical devices to automotive and household applications, silicone is everywhere. Its properties—such as elasticity, UV resistance, water-repellency, and heat tolerance—make it ideal for high-performance components. But as demand for customised parts grows, traditional processes like silicone injection moulding face limitations.

Now, 3D printing of silicone is revolutionising the market—and ViscoTec is at the forefront with its progressive cavity-based print head systems.

Precise 3D Dosing for Complex Silicone Parts

At formnext Frankfurt 2017, ViscoTec unveiled its single-component print head, specifically designed for dosing viscous fluids and pastes such as silicone in additive manufacturing.

• Prints fine layers as thin as 200 microns

• Uses volumetric dosing for highly precise material control

• Includes suck-back feature to prevent stringing

• Compatible with UV, moisture or heat crosslinking

Layer by layer, the rotor-stator system ensures a reliable, repeatable, and finely controlled print path, ideal for both prototyping and production.

From Prototypes to Production

A major advantage of silicone 3D printing is its ability to replace tooling in early-stage product development. For instance, traditional injection moulding of seals requires costly tooling even for a single prototype. With ViscoTec’s print head, companies can:

• Rapidly produce prototype silicone seals

• Use the same silicone material from prototype to final part

• Reduce costs, waste, and development time

• Enable low-volume production without expensive moulds

This is especially valuable in industries like automotive, medical devices, consumer goods, and electronics, where custom sealing and design iteration are frequent.

Integrated Processing from Container to Print Head

Beyond the print head, ViscoTec also enables material withdrawal and supply systems for additive manufacturing. Whether using pails, cartridges, or pressure tanks, their progressive cavity technology ensures consistent, controlled delivery to the print system.

From material extraction to precise deposition, ViscoTec ensures process reliability and repeatability—key for successful additive manufacturing.

Capri Systec is the sole UK distributor of ViscoTec dosing and dispensing solutions, offering full technical support from initial inquiry through system delivery.

👉 Ready to start 3D printing high-quality silicone components? Contact us today.