Evonik has announced the opening of a new 3D printing centre in the USA. Its goal? Further expanding the development of ready-to-use materials for powder bed-fusion.
Based in Austin, Texas, the new 3D Printing center is a new page the company is writing for the development of ready-to-use materials after the acquisition of Structured Polymers Inc. The acquisition was achieved in 2019, however, the materials specialist had already been investing for the last two years in the company through its venture capital unit.
Structured Polymers Inc. develops a portfolio of special polymer powders for additive manufacturing using a polymer granulate-based technology; a process that allows for the production of polymer powders in controlled particle sizes with a diameter range of 0.1 – 400 ÎĽm while, simultaneously, offering very good material properties.
After acquiring Structured Polymers Inc., Evonik’s goal was to further develop a new product portfolio. With Evonik as a parent company, Structured Polymers Inc. has launched two thermoplastic elastomers based on innovative copolyesters for powder-based 3D printing technologies. Ready-to-use and available in white or black depending on the application, these powder materials deliver high elasticity, flexibility and good resilience, not to mention that they remain tough and flexible after the printing process, and do not compromise surface quality.
A new page in materials development starts in the USA
The U.S. are one of the most advanced countries when it comes to leveraging additive manufacturing. As a reminder, EPO’s latest report revealed that the country leads the ranking of top applicants in terms of patent applications.
The country is definitely in the eye of many AM players that would like to keep a leading position in the industry, and so does Evonik. With more than 20 years of materials expertise, Evonik continues to make strategic choices where there is a demand from the market.
Its new center comprises an application technology laboratory with 3D printers and a processing area, a research and development laboratory, production rooms and associated office areas as well as meeting rooms.
The company confirms that the building complex has modern air extraction systems, which means it meets the highest safety standards and complies with applicable workplace ergonomics standards. Remember, “air treatment is to production environment what materials are to 3D Printers”.
“The new Technology Center continues the success story of Structured Polymers under the umbrella of Evonik. We have now created the necessary framework to establish this advanced technology for the production of 3D printable polymer powders on the market,” says Thomas GroĂźe-Puppendahl, head of the Additive Manufacturing Innovation Growth Field at Evonik.
Vikram Devarajan, managing director of the 3D Printing Technology Center in Austin, Texas, adds: “By expanding our capabilities in North America, we are sending an important signal to our partners in the region that we can now better support them with new technological opportunities in materials development right in their own backyard.”
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