Clariant, a specialist materials R&D company, has launched a dedicated 3D materials business to meet what it describes as “the demand of the fast-changing additive manufacturing market.”
The company, headquartered in Muttenz, Switzerland, will use the R&D and infrastructure from its extensive plastics and coatings businesses to offer a range of customized high-grade 3D printing filaments.
High-grade 3D filaments optimised for end-use components
Clariant claims that there is a demand for materials reliable enough to meet the requirements of additively manufactured objects with a complex structure and very specific end-uses.
To enhance the quality of objects produced via 3D printing, Clariant has noted the need to use filament materials that are enhanced for high quality, ready-to-print, and able to withstand the wear and tear of prolonged usage.
As with Clariant’s existing polymer research, its new high-grade 3D printer filaments will be refined using pigments, additives and master-batches, before being tested for quality and printability. They will be offered in flexible lot sizes to meet specific customer needs.
Materials in Clariant’s custom filament range will be optimized in a number of ways, such as resistance to weathering, reduced flammability, and electrical properties. The company will also be offering a portfolio of high-quality standard material.
Clariant acts on R&D capabilities
Clariant’s existing materials portfolio includes a wide range of pigments, polymers, waxes, coatings and preservatives. It also offers a range of 3D printing colorants for inkjet use.
“At Clariant, we have all the capabilities to produce high-grade ready-to-print 3D printer filaments,” said Richard Haldimann, Head of New Business Development. “The existing Clariant production infrastructure provides the 3D Printing business with a global footprint to offer desired 3D printer filaments across the world.”
Apparently confirming its worldwide 3D printing materials ambitions, Clariant has been recruiting a number of 3D Printing R&D positions based at its Guangzhou site in China.
As with 3D printing filaments, metal powders have also seen a number of recent market entrants and high profile business ventures, such as the acquisition of spherical metal powder producer Metasphere Technologies by Swedish multinational Höganäs.
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Featured image shows the Clariant logo 3D printed. Photo via Clariant.
