---
title: "Chromatic 3D Materials completes static fire testing of 3D printed rocket propellant"
url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/chromatic-3d-materials-completes-static-fire-testing-of-3d-printed-rocket-propellant/
date: 2026-04-30
modified: 2026-04-30
lang: en
author: "Joseph Caron-Dawe"
description: "Chromatic 3D Materials has successfully completed prototype printing and static fire testing of its additively manufactured rocket propellant at the Integrated Solutions for Systems (IS4S) test range in Opelika, Alabama...."
categories:
  - "Advanced Polymers"
  - "Aerospace AM"
  - "AM for Space"
tags:
  - "insights"
image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Chromatic-3D-Materials-rocket-propellant-640x400.jpg
word_count: 320
---

# Chromatic 3D Materials completes static fire testing of 3D printed rocket propellant

[Chromatic 3D Materials](https://www.voxelmatters.directory/company/chromatic-3d-materials/) has successfully completed prototype printing and static fire testing of its additively manufactured rocket propellant at the Integrated Solutions for Systems (IS4S) test range in Opelika, Alabama.

The tests verified that the printed propellant sustained combustion pressures exceeding 1,800 psi without structural failure. [The Minneapolis-based company](https://www.voxelmatters.com/chromatic-3d-materials-raises-6-million-for-third-equity-issuance/) says the result of the test marks a significant milestone for defense propulsion manufacturing.

![Chromatic 3D Materials completes static fire testing of 3D printed rocket propellant](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Chromatic-3D-Materials-rocket-propellant-02-340x340.jpg)

The material achieved energetic loading levels comparable to [leading conventional propellants](https://www.voxelmatters.com/?s=rocket+propellant), while at the same time maintaining the structural integrity needed under high-pressure combustion conditions. Given those results, Chromatic claims that its propellant could support the vast majority of the US rocket arsenal at equivalent speed and range.

“These results demonstrate that additive manufacturing is not only viable for defense propulsion — it can drive meaningful performance gains across at least 90% of the US rocket arsenal,” stated Dr. Cora Leibig, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Chromatic 3D Materials.

“We're showing that it's possible to maintain compatibility with existing systems while opening the door to rockets that fly farther, hit harder, and can be produced faster.”

## Technology and manufacturing approach

Founded in 2016, [Chromatic developed its RX-AM (Reactive Extrusion Additive Manufacturing) platform for printing durable elastomeric materials](https://www.voxelmatters.com/chromatic-rx-flow-large-format-3d-printers-for-reactive-extrusion-additive-manufacturing/). Over the past two years, the company has adapted conventional polybutadiene propellant binder chemistries for use within the RX-AM process and has applied the platform to rocket propellant production for the first time.

The approach produces propellant more safely, at lower cost, and faster than conventional methods. Its multi-material printing capability also allows propellant to be deposited directly onto or within structural components, enabling geometry variations, improved mass efficiency, and thrust control options that have not been possible or available through traditional manufacturing to date.

Chromatic continues to work with government and industry partners to broaden the adoption of additive manufacturing within defense supply chains, where the company reported that distributed, on-demand production could reduce dependence on centralized infrastructure.