Creavis, the innovation unit of specialty chemicals company Evonik, has entered into an R&D agreement with leading 3D printer provider Voxeljet. Their collaboration will focus on the development of material systems for next generation binder jetting technology. The expected outcome of this project will be powder-binder systems that enable the production of polymer parts for industrial use.
“In Evonik we have found an outstanding collaboration partner that will provide us with tailored material systems for our efficient printing technology,” comments Dr. Ingo Ederer, CEO of Voxeljet.
“With this research collaboration, we aim to fulfill our aspirations of entering into the safe and robust additive manufacturing of stable polymer final parts in series production.”
The industrialization of 3D printing
Throughout 2019, Evonik has been making aggressive moves to establish leadership of the 3D printing materials sector. Its strategy has involved establishing materials development partnerships with businesses behind emerging 3D printing technologies; the funding of stakeholders within the sector; and the acquisition of businesses like Austin based start-up Structured Polymers Inc. Internally, the company has also ramped up production of its VESTOSINT PA 12 powder with the construction of €400 million production plant in Marl.
For Voxeljet, 2019 has been a year in which the company has sought to facilitate 3D printing’s inclusion in conventional, industrial manufacturing environments. For this purpose, the company launched the VJET X, a system specially suited for integration in metal casting lines. In an alliance with Spanish tooling maker Loramendi, and global foundry materials producer ASK Chemicals, Voxeljet is also developing the Industrialization of Core Printing (ICP) technology.
Next generation binder jetting
Uniting their aims under this new R&D partnership, Evonik and Voxeljet are seeking to fill a gap in the market for industrial, 3D printable polymers with high mechanical properties. Thomas Große-Puppendahl, Evonik’s lead of innovation growth, explains, “Our strategic focus is on the development and manufacture of “ready-to-use” high-performance materials across the major branches of technology.”
Prof. Stefan Buchholz, executive director of Evonik Creavis GmbH, adds, “Voxeljet is one of the leading manufacturers of large-scale high-speed printers for mold-making.
“We have made it our goal to work with Voxeljet to develop new powder-binder systems that will for the first time enable this method to be used to manufacture polymer parts for industrial use.”
The first insights into this collaboration between the two companies will be presented at Formnext 2019 from 19 to the 22 November. Visitors can find Evonik at hall 12.1, stand C71. Voxeljet will be exhibiting at stand E59 in hall 12.1.
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Featured image shows the Voxeljet VX4000 binder jet system. Photo via Voxeljet
