Graphene 3D printing: introduction and market status
3D printing (or additive manufacturing) refers to a process in which a 3D printer is used for stacking layers of material under computer control, following a 3D model (or other electronic data source), resulting in a printed three-dimensional object.
Various applications for 3D printing include design visualization and prototyping, metal casting, architecture, education, healthcare, entertainment and more. As 3D printing technology continues to evolve and develop, researchers imply possible biotechnological uses like bio-printing and computer-aided tissue engineering as well as retail manufacturing of custom end products which might change the face of commerce.
A large number of 3D printing processes exist nowadays, differing mainly in their methods of layering and the materials that are used. Some methods melt or soften material to produce layers while others use liquid materials or thin layers of material that are cut to shape and joined together. 3D printing materials are varied, and include Thermoplastics, HDPE, Rubber, edible materials, clay, metal alloy, and more. New technologies, such as infusing carbon fibers into plastics, allow for a stronger, lighter material.
Graphene, a single-atomic layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, is repeatedly dubbed a “wonder material†due to its immense array of uncanny properties like extraordinary conductivity, flexibility and transparency.
Graphene-enhanced nanocomposite materials greatly improve traditional materials used in 3D printing, like plastics. Graphene nanoplatelets that are added to polymers make materials that are mechanically stronger and with improved thermal and electrical conductivity.
Graphene 3D Lab, a joint-venture between Graphene Labs and Lomiko Metals, is one of the leaders in this new market. The company's founder and COO, Dr. Elena Polyakova comments in an interview for Graphene-info on the advantages of graphene-based materials over current 3D printing materials: “Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) -- a method of 3D printing in which filament is extruded layer by layer to create objects -- capabilities are currently bound by the offerings of filaments, which generally includes non-functional thermoplastics. While such plastics are great for printing desktop models and fascinating gadgets, the real-world applications of printing with such filaments by themselves are limited. By creating a line of materials with functional properties, the capabilities of FFF 3D printers will be greatly expanded.
By way of example, filaments infused with graphene can be conductive and much more durable than non-specialized filaments, features which are necessary for a host of applications. We also intend to develop filaments with other functional properties, including magnetic capabilities.†as per Dr. Polyakova's words, Graphene 3D Lab is funded to begin production of printing filaments in the near future, and is working towards a target of reaching commercial production around the first half of 2015.
Graphene 3D Labs also plans to produce 3D printable batteries, based on graphene. These batteries can potentially outperform current commercial batteries, and will come in shapes and sizes that can be tailored to match the designs of specific devices. The company already unveiled a prototype battery in October 2014. In March 2015 G3L announced that it has launched commercial sales of its conductive graphene filament for 3D printing. The filament incorporates highly conductive proprietary nanocarbon materials to enhance the properties of PLA, a widely used thermoplastic material for 3D printing. The filament is therefore compatible with most commercially available 3D printers. In June 2015, the company announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Ideum, a company which develops large-scale smart-tables and walls. The agreement lays the foundation for joint research, product development, and marketing between the two companies. Graphene 3D and Ideum will evaluate and co-develop products by Graphene 3D which can be used as capacitive sensors to interface with Ideum's products. Graphene 3D will also begin commercial on-demand 3D printing of coasters, joysticks, and styluses which Ideum clients can use to interact with their smart-tables. For example, styluses of various shapes, 3D printed in Conductive Graphene Filament, may be used as brushes used in photo editing software to give a more hands-on feel to creative work done on an Ideum smart-table.
In May 2015, researchers at Northwestern University designed a method to print 3D structures using graphene nanoflakes, by developing a graphene-based ink that can be used to print large, robust 3D structures. This fast and efficient method may open up new opportunities for using graphene printed scaffolds and various other electronic or medical applications. Also in May 2015, researchers at Michigan Technological University progressed in their work to 3D print replacement nerves using 3D bioprinting techniques. The team has developed polymer materials that can act as a scaffold for growing tissues and is working on integrating graphene as the electrical conductor.
In March 2015, U.S-based Local Motors declared plans to 3D print vehicles within 12 hours, reinforcing extruded printed material with graphene. The company reported significant progress in its additive manufacturing technology since it unveiled its Strati vehicle. The company was looking to reduce the print time to 12 hours, with a four to five-hour assembly time, and had been speaking to a Korean firm about sourcing graphene for extruding in composite 3D printing materials.
In July 2014, US-based Graphene Technologies announced a partnership with Stratasys to co-develop graphene-enhanced 3D printing materials.
A 12X12 meter 3D graphene-fiberglass printer was unveiled by Qingdao Unique Products Develop during a trade show in China. It is meant to print building in the future, according to the company, using a fiberglass-graphene composite that will allow the creation of very strong objects.
Grafoid, a Canadian based company, signed an agreement with Altamat to construct an atomization facility to produce MesoGraf graphene-based powders and filaments for 3D printing for use in a wide range of functionalized powders for 3D printing applications. Grafoid hopes to supply a wide range of Mesograf-based powders and filaments that will allow manufacturing companies in every industry to utilize additive manufacturing processes to produce their end products on demand, not solely for prototyping purposes.
Australian company 3D Graphtech Industries, established by CSIRO organization to investigate research opportunities in 3D printing using graphite and graphene inks, will jointly perform a white-paper study to identify technological problems in the 3D printing market that can be solved in an R&D program to provide a commercial solution.
US based AGT launched a similar research project in collaboration with Ukraine's Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology ("KIPT").
Further reading
- Introduction to graphene
- Graphene company database
- How to invest in the graphene revolution
- The Graphene Handbook, our very own guide to the graphene market
Researchers develop 3D-printed graphene oxide electrodes for high-density energy storage
Researchers from the University of California, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory recently developed a graphene-enabled 3D printing platform that addresses a fundamental limitation in electrochemical energy storage: the tradeoff between electrode thickness and transport efficiency.
While thicker electrodes increase energy density by incorporating more active material, they typically suffer from poor ion transport and high resistance. To overcome this, the team designed interpenetrating 3D electrode architectures using an acrylate-based resin infused with graphene oxide (GO). The inclusion of GO enables the fabrication of highly porous, conductive structures that support both efficient ion diffusion and electron transport throughout ultra-thick electrodes.
Registration is now open for Graphene-Connect 2026! Join our flagship virtual graphene dedicated event in March 2026!
Graphene-Info is pleased to announce that registration is now open for Graphene-Connect 2026, our flagship two-day virtual event dedicated to graphene industrialization and innovation, taking place online on 11–12 March 2026, in collaboration with Techblick.
Graphene-Connect 2026, preliminary agenda
Graphene-Connect tickets start at our special early bird price of $400 (with discounts available for group passes).
Event overview
Graphene-Connect 2026 is the must-attend worldwide meeting place for the graphene industry, bringing together the full value chain from material producers to end users. The live online format combines a curated technical program with advanced networking tools and virtual exhibition spaces, designed to make remote participation feel as close as possible to an in‑person conference.
World-class agenda
The agenda is jointly curated by Graphene-Info and Techblick, with talks spanning graphene materials, production processes, electronics, energy storage, composites, sensors, filtration, anti-corrosion coatings, concrete, textiles, neural interfaces and more. The program mixes visionary keynotes, industrial case studies, metrology and standards updates, as well as deep-dive technical talks, ensuring relevance for both R&D experts and commercial decision-makers.
Lyten launches graphene-enhanced 3D printing filaments and adhesives for motorsports, aerospace and defense applications
Lyten has announced the official launch of two products at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show: Lyten 3D Graphene™ enhanced 3D printing filament and a structural epoxy adhesive purpose built for high temperature applications in motorsports, defense and aerospace.
Lyten announced PA1205, a Lyten 3D Graphene - infused PA12-based 3D printing filament, alongside the 6120HT high-temperature structural epoxy adhesive. Both products are built on the company’s 3D Graphene platform, designed to increase stiffness, strength, and thermal tolerance of polymers and composites while reducing weight relative to metal or conventional reinforced systems.
Graphjet to collaborate with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia for the development of thermal management material using graphene and graphite
Graphjet Technology has announced it will support and collaborate with Centre for Materials Engineering and Smart Manufacturing (MERCU) of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) on integrating graphite and graphene into additive manufacturing technology to develop advance heat sinks.
In addition, Graphjet has completed a laboratory which enhanced its capability to perform quality testing on its graphite and graphene as well as research on improvements to the graphite and graphene produced. This will reduce the Company’s reliance on third party for testing services and would allow a much quicker turnaround time for the Company’s development program. This laboratory will also serve in the collaboration with UKM.
First Graphene shares updates on its quarterly activities
First Graphene has provided an update on its financial and operational performance for the quarter ending 30 June 2025.
First Graphene reported a combined income for the June quarter of FY2025 of circa A$273,000 (almost US$177,000) - unaudited, comprised of ~A$145,000 (US$93,700) in graphene sales and ~A$128,000 (US$83,000) in paid development and grant-funded programs. The graphene sales revenue was primarily generated from the composites and polymer segments. This brings total income for FY2025 (unaudited) to more than A$1.2 million *us$776,000), covering topline graphene sales, development and grant-funded programs.
New sensor uses graphene and MOFs to detect methanol poisoning
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a simple, low-cost prototype sensor that quickly and easily detects small amounts of methanol in breath. This is a step toward developing a “methanol breathalyzer” to efficiently diagnose poisonings.
The team formulated a specialized electrically conductive ink that combined a zirconium-based metal-organic framework (MOF) and graphene. They then 3D-printed the ink onto a ceramic, creating the sensor. A machine created artificial breath by blending dry air with humid air containing methanol and then mimicked blowing the breath into a chamber containing the sensor. The prototype detected methanol at concentrations as low as 50 parts per billion (below the levels found in breath during methanol poisoning) and maintained its stability and performance after several repeated sensing cycles.
Researchers develop 3D-printed graphene composites for efficient ice control applications
Researchers from Hefei University and Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have developed a novel 3D-printed graphene/polymer double-layer composite featuring high anisotropic thermal conductivity that offers improved photothermal and electrothermal performance for advanced ice control applications.
Graphene is known for its outstanding thermal and electrical conductivity, particularly its strong anisotropy—high in-plane conductivity and much lower through-plane conductivity. To capitalize on this property, the researchers used dual-nozzle fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing to directionally align graphene within a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix. The resulting double-layer composite, consisting of graphene-enhanced TPU (G-TPU) and neat TPU (N-TPU), achieved an in-plane thermal conductivity of 4.54 W/(m·K), with an anisotropic ratio of about 8.
AI-controlled 3D printer cooks food using graphene
Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have used graphene to develop a new 3D printer that can make food layer by layer as it prints, using artificial intelligence (AI) to design complex edible structures. This integrated system combines precision infrared heating with AI-driven design tools to address key limitations in automated food production: maintaining food safety during printing and creating intricate shapes without requiring technical expertise.
a). The step-by-step food 3D food fabrication process of the printing and in-line cooking device. b). Design features of the integrative 3D food printer. c) The print head unit has an extrusion tubing inlet, extrusion nozzle, and heater holder. d) The external shell of the infrared heater has a cone-shaped design to converge heat transmission to the targeted printing area. e) The schematic diagram of the fabrication of the LIG infrared heater. Image from: Advanced Materials
Automated food production faces unique challenges compared to manufacturing with traditional materials like plastics or metals. Food must be heated properly to ensure safety, yet maintaining the intended shape during cooking proves difficult. Current 3D food printers operate in two separate steps - first printing cold food paste, then transferring it to an oven or fryer. This approach often leads to deformed shapes and increased contamination risks as the food moves between machines. The new system integrates these steps using a specialized infrared heater made from laser-induced graphene (LIG). This ultra-thin heating element provides precise temperature control, with printed food layers reaching 137°C on the surface and maintaining at least 105°C on the sides throughout the printing process, while using just 14 watts of power - a fraction of the 1000-2000 watts consumed by conventional ovens and air fryers.
Eco-friendly graphene ink could enable novel 3D printing applications in various fields
Researchers from the University of Calgary, University of British Columbia, University of Waterloo and Aalto University recently developed an all-graphene water-based ink for 3D printing via direct ink writing, which the team considers first of its kind. The ink could unlock new possibilities for addressing environmental challenges, such as eliminating invisible electromagnetic pollution from our surroundings.
The eco-friendly graphene ink enables applications in various fields, including electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, electronics, and environmental protection while providing a scalable solution for next-generation 3D-printed technologies.
Graphmatech and Filalab launch new graphene filament for 3D printing
Swedish material developer Graphmatech and Lithuanian filament manufacturer Filalab UAB recently introduced a new filament called C-PETG. The graphene-enriched material is described as one of the fastest ESD-safe polymer solutions on the market. Developed for the requirements of modern electronics manufacturing, it enables printing speeds of up to 120 mm/s and reliably protects sensitive components from static electricity.
It was stated that C-PETG can print 20% to 120% faster than conventional ESD polymer filaments, which can significantly reduce production time. In addition to speed, the filament is designed to protect sensitive electronic components by effectively dissipating static electricity.
