Liqcreate introduces Bio Med Flex, a biocompatible flexible resin for medical and biomedical applications

Liqcreate, the independent Dutch manufacturer of photopolymer materials, has released Liqcreate Bio‑Med Flex, a clear flexible resin designed for medical and biomedical use on DLP, LCD, and laser‑based 3D printers operating between 385 and 405 nm. The material is formulated for applications that require softness, durability, and biocompatibility, making it suitable for components that come into contact with skin.

Following the successful launch of Liqcreate Bio‑Med Clear, the rigid biocompatible variant that has been established in the market for several years, Liqcreate’s engineering team has spent extensive time developing a flexible counterpart. Bio‑Med Flex is the result of that effort, created for applications that require the same biocompatibility standards but depend on a soft, elastic and tear‑resistant material.

Designed for biocompatibility and reliability

Bio‑Med Flex was developed to meet the growing demand for flexible medical components that can be disinfected, sterilized, and handled safely in clinical workflows. The resin has been externally  validated according to ISO 10993‑5:2009, ISO 10993‑10:2021, and ISO 10993‑23:2021, confirming that printed parts can pass cytotoxicity, sensitization, and irritation testing when processed through the validated workflow. This gives laboratories and medical developers confidence that the material can be used in environments where patient contact or hygienic handling is required.

The resin’s clear appearance and stable polymer network support applications ranging from soft biomedical prototypes, wearables, flexible anatomical models, sterilizable lab tools and soft fixtures. Its Shore A hardness of 73 provides a balance between softness and structural integrity, allowing parts to bend repeatedly without cracking or tearing.

Mechanical performance for flexible medical components

Bio‑Med Flex combines elasticity with mechanical stability. With a tensile strength of 5.0 MPa and an elongation at break between 180 and 250 percent, the material can stretch significantly while maintaining shape. Tear strength values between 20 and 28 kN/m further support applications where resistance to ripping is essential. These characteristics make the resin suitable for flexible connectors, soft‑touch anatomical models, biomedical test components, and other parts that must retain form while remaining pliable.

Stable performance after disinfection and steam sterilization

A defining feature of Bio‑Med Flex is its compatibility with common disinfectants and steam sterilization cycles. Even after exposure to IPA, ethanol, or steam cycles at 121°C and 134°C, the material maintains functional performance. Although mechanical values shift slightly after sterilization, the resin remains stable enough for workflows that require repeated cleaning or hygienic processing.

Broad compatibility with open‑material 3D printers

Bio‑Med Flex works on a wide range of open‑material 3D printers, including systems from Asiga, Elegoo, Anycubic, and Phrozen, as well as other DLP, LCD, and SLA platforms within the 385–405 nm range. Its viscosity of 850 mPa·s and consistent cure parameters support layer formation and predictable print behaviour. Liqcreate continues to validate additional print profiles and publishes them on its website as new systems are qualified.

Validated workflow for achieving biocompatible results

To achieve the biocompatible performance, users must follow the validated workflow. Parts are washed twice in IPA or ethanol, dried for at least an hour, cured for ten minutes under water at 405 nm, and then post‑cured for 120 minutes at 60°C in air in a Formlabs Formcure (1^st generation) curing unit or similar. With these processing instructions the material is capable of passing the following biocompatibility tests:

• – Cytotoxicity ISO 10993-5:2009
• – Sensitization ISO 10993-10:2021
• – Irritation ISO 10993-23:2021

For regulated medical devices, users remain responsible for compliance and registration.

OEM and White label solutions

For hardware manufacturers and medical development groups exploring private‑label or co‑branding opportunities, Bio‑Med Flex is available for OEM rebranding and application‑specific optimization. The material’s combination of flexibility, biocompatibility and sterilization resistance makes it suitable for companies developing soft medical components, anatomical models or biomedical tools that require validated ISO performance.

As an independent resin manufacturer with in‑house R&D capabilities, Liqcreate can scale custom formulations quickly and without the channel constraints that often limit vertically integrated suppliers. Organizations with specific requirements, whether focused on particular mechanical profiles, sterilization workflows or printing behavior, can work directly with Liqcreate’s development team to explore tailored solutions.

Availability and ordering

Liqcreate Bio‑Med Flex is available in 1 kg units and can be purchased through the Liqcreate online store, official local distributors or via info@liqcreate.com. Additional information, including validated printer settings, is available at www.liqcreate.com.