10/21/2026
A new paste material technology invented by Sika, SikaBiresin® MC90, combines rapid strength development with high isotropic thermal performance and ultra-high printing throughput, enabling efficient additive manufacturing of complex geometries and spatially printed structures. By reducing the need for support materials and energy-intensive post-curing, the technology helps streamline production processes while opening new opportunities in tooling, architecture, construction, and design. The application of this technology in design and architecture was recently demonstrated through a collaboration with Digital Building Technologies (DBT), ETH Zurich.
Faster Manufacturing, Greater Design Freedom, Improved Efficiency
Originally developed for high-performance molds used in prepreg composite* production, SikaBiresin® MC90 combines room-temperature processing with performance comparable to post-cured high-Tg epoxy systems. The result is highly stable, temperature-resistant mold material for demanding applications in aerospace, automotive, motorsports, and other advanced composite industries.
* Prepreg composites are carbon- or glass-fiber reinforced materials pre-impregnated with resin and cured under heat and pressure to produce lightweight, high-performance components.
The material's unique two-component polyurethane chemistry enables a precisely controlled curing process and rapid strength development immediately after extrusion. This allows complex geometries, large overhangs, and hollow structures to be printed at unprecedented high throughput without additional support materials, increasing design freedom while reducing production time, material consumption, and waste.
Unlike conventional tooling materials that require energy-intensive post-curing, SikaBiresin® MC90 achieves high thermal resistance and dimensional stability directly at room temperature, simplifying manufacturing processes and improving resource efficiency.
From Composite Tooling to Spatial Printing
The exceptional curing characteristics of SikaBiresin® MC90 also enable a new approach to additive manufacturing: spatial printing. Spatial printing enables the creation of free-form geometries, curved elements, cantilevers, and complex three-dimensional networks that are difficult or impossible to manufacture using conventional methods.
In collaboration with DBT, ETH Zurich, Sika explored how the material could be printed directly into three-dimensional space rather than being built layer by layer. The new spatial 3D printing process was developed by DBT, ETH Zurich, in collaboration with Sika. Because the material gains strength almost immediately after extrusion, printed strands can support themselves without temporary formwork or support structures.
New Opportunities for Architecture and Design
The project demonstrates how advanced material science, computational design, and robotic fabrication can work together to unlock new possibilities for additive manufacturing. Beyond composite tooling, the technology has potential applications in architecture, design, customized components, and lightweight structures where material efficiency and geometric freedom are critical.
By combining high-performance material properties with innovative printing capabilities, SikaBiresin® MC90 opens new opportunities for faster, more sustainable, and more flexible manufacturing processes.
Creating Value Through Innovation
Enables support-free spatial printing and
unprecedented design freedom.
Accelerates production in Liters/min through
rapid strength development and room temperature curing.
Reduces energy consumption and material
waste by eliminating post-curing and supports structures.
Opens new opportunities in tooling,
architecture, construction, and design.
Demonstrates the power of combining Sika's material innovation with the expertise in digital fabrication.of ETH Zurich, Digital Building Technologies (DBT) .