German chemical company BASF New Business (BNB), that announced the forthcoming launch of a dedicated 3D printing company in July this year, has acquired premium filament maker Innofil3D.
The Dutch company, which is headquartered in Emmen, has been acquired 100% by BASF and will play a central role in the company’s 3D printer materials production.
Make Anything
Innofil3D’s motto is “Make Anything”. As such, its products cover the whole range of materials available for FDM/FFF 3D printers.
This range includes PLA, PET, ABS, InnoCircle (recycled), special, professional, and a service for filaments made to custom specifications.
Conversely, BASF’s business portfolio is split into five sections: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas.
In 2016, total sales generated from all areas of the business were within the region of €58 billion.
Solutions for layered 3D printing
Pelletized plastics, some of which could be used in big area additive manufacturing (BAAM) machines, are an existing part of BASF’s product line. By acquiring Innofil3D, the company are taking material lines to the next level.
Volker Hammes, Managing Director at BNB, comments, “With this acquisition, BASF is moving one step further along the value chain,”
“Innofil3D’s well-filled product pipeline in combination with BASF’s plans to develop high-performance filaments will form an important foundation of BASF’s solutions for layered 3D printing.”
In the past BASF has also provided its chemical expertise to HP, and has a 3D printing materials partnership with partnered with Essentium, creators of the FlashFuse™ process.
Market validation
In a similar deal in 2016, computer software giant HP acquired DAVID Vision Systems GmbH., the developer of a line of structured light 3D scanners and supportive software.
Such acquisitions provide the validation 3D technologies need to compete in a thriving manufacturing market.
Jeroen Wiggers, Managing Director of Innofil3D, concludes, “We are very happy to be part of BASF. One of the first immediate advantages is that this will accelerate the further development of the newest filament technologies, making us even better able to help our customers be successful now and in the future.”
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Featured image: Colorful innofil3D filaments. Photo via Innofil3D on Facebook
