BASF will work more closely with Materialise, a leading provider of 3D printing technologies. BASF is also investing $25 million (€21.5 million) in the Belgian company. BASF and Materialise are working together to optimise materials and software for 3D printing technologies and bring them to market faster. The focus is on consumer goods, as well as the automotive and aerospace industries. The agreement allows for sytematic, broader-scale testing and further optimisation by BASF of its materials on Materialise's machines and within its infrastructure.
Accelerate
''Our companies complement each other and our cooperation will put us in a better position to find and develop new opportunities,'' said Volker Hanmmes, Managing Director of BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH in a press release. BASF and Materialise plan to accelerate the development of innovative applications and new materials. ''With 3D printing capabilities in Leuven and innovative software capabilities, Materialise has an excellent infrastructure. Together, we can join forces to advance the 3D printing sector. We will do this by developing new products and technologies, together with our partners and consumers.'' adds Hammes.
''To increase acceptance of 3D printing as a complementary manufacturing technology for finished products, our industrial customers are demanding more control, more choice and ultimately lower costs,'' said Fried Vancraen, Materialise CEO. ''We are confident that this collaboration, with a leading materials manufacturer, will help accelerate the adoption of 3D printing in existing vertical markets, while also creating significant opportunities in new markets.''
Revolutionise
3D printing is a transformational technology that has the potential to revolutionise entire industries. This is because 3D printing makes it possible and cost-effective to mass-produce fully individualised products. It also enables design optimisations and functional improvements (such as creating a lighter design) that are impossible to create with standard manufacturing technologies. As a result, more and more industries, including the automotive, aerospace, footwear, and eyewear industries are adopting 3-printing to solve specific manufacturing challenges.
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The BASF Group's more than 115,000 employees contribute to the success of our customers in almost all sectors and almost all countries around the world. Our product portfolio is divided into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF achieved sales of around €64.5 billion in 2017. BASF is listed on the Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN) stock exchanges.
About Materialise
Materialise has 27 years of experience in 3D printing with a wide range of software solutions and 3D printing services, which together form the backbone of the 3D printing industry. Materialise's open and flexible solutions allow players to be active in various industries-such as healthcare, automotive, aerospace, art and design, and consumer goods-building innovative 3D printing applications that make the world a better and healthier place. With headquarters in Belgium and offices worldwide, Materialise has the largest group of software developers in the industry and one of the largest 3D printing facilities in the world.
Source: BASF
