Material producer ECKART celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. Founded in Fürth in 1876 as a small goldbeating workshop, the company has grown into an international manufacturer of effect pigments for decorative and functional applications as well as metal powders for 3D printing, serving customers around the world.
Over the past century and a half, ECKART has continuously evolved alongside technologies and markets. What began with metallic pigments has grown into a broad portfolio of metallic and pearlescent pigments for coatings, plastics, printing inks, cosmetics and technical applications. Today, the company operates worldwide and employs around 1,800 people.
While ECKART products can be found in many everyday and industrial applications, the company’s ambition remains unchanged: to develop effect pigments that combine performance and sustainability. Current investments in resource-efficient production, water-based technologies and modern metallic and pearlescent pigments reflect the changing requirements of customers and industries worldwide.
Its additive manufacturing journey
The company’s additive manufacturing journey began in 2020, when its parent company ALTANA AG made two acquisitions. It bought TLS Technik GmbH & Co. Spezialpulver KG, a specialist in atomizing special alloys such as titanium, aluminium and copper.
Around the same time, starting in June 2020, it acquired the UK-based Aluminium Materials Technologies Ltd. (AMT), developer of the patented A205 alloy and A20X powder, and folded it into the ECKART division specifically to enter the AM market. The official market entry came a year later, at Formnext 2021, right after AMT was fully integrated into Eckart’s activities.
“ECKART has repeatedly reinvented itself without losing sight of its roots,” says Andreas Gipp, Managing Director of ECKART Europe. “Our success has always been based on our ability to adapt, drive innovation and respond to new challenges. These qualities will continue to guide us in the future.”
Looking ahead to the next chapter, ECKART will continue to focus on advancing material technologies, supporting sustainable development and creating solutions for the industries of tomorrow.
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