BASF/ YouTube
BASF Essentium partner
BASF will combine its chemical expertise with Essentium's FlashFuse technology to develop stronger plastic parts via FFF 3D printing processes.
Chemistry company, BASF is partnering with Essentium, a 3D printing materials firm, in a bid to create more robust parts for use in mass production with Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology.
Acknowledging the struggle for 3D printed plastics to progress beyond the primary application of prototyping due to a lack of durability, the two companies are concentrating on the development of a range of polymers with high strength capabilities.
BASF possess a comprehensive portfolio of innovative materials and chemical expertise. Meanwhile Essentium brings to the table its FlashFuse electric welding technology, which enhances layer to layer adhesion of 3D printed parts, reinforcing vertical strength and accuracy of parts. Engineered to the highest levels of safety and compliance, FlashFuse performs in-situ welding, applicable to multiple open system FFF platforms.
These respective strengths will be brought together to overcome the traditional weakness of 3D printed parts. FFF printing technology will be focused on during this collaboration because of its compatibility with an array of thermoplastics, ability to fabricate large, complex parts, and combine multi-modality materials in the same print. Moreover, FFF is also suited to provide printed parts that are both structural and composed of filaments loaded with functional fillers.
“BASF is committed to advancing 3D printing to the next level across all major additive manufacturing technologies,” said Kara Noack, Head of BASF’s 3D printing business in North America. “I am confident that our collaboration with Essentium will enable the creation of 3D printed functional parts and make the technology accessible to a broader range of industrial customers.”
Dr Blake Teipel, Essentium’s President and CTO added: “Essentium Materials’ distinctive FlashFuse technology addresses one of the prevalent challenges for achieving isotropic 3D printed parts. Our partnership with BASF will provide robust and strong 3D printing solutions for extremely demanding applications.”
