BASF is to establish a new group company to develop and expand 3D printing materials, systems, components and services.
BASF 3D Printing Solutions will be set up on 1 September and will take over the 3D printing application and technology centre belonging to BASF subsidiary Deutsche Nanoschicht in Heidelberg, Germany. It will employ around 30 3D printing experts, largely drawn from existing BASF group companies.
The company’s experts will work with researchers and engineers from external partners to develop 3D printing technology, including universities and customers. BASF expects most of those customers to be from industries such as automotive, aerospace and consumer goods, which want to use 3D printing for industrial applications.
“The field of 3D printing for industrial applications is highly dynamic and still emerging. This means there is a need for agile, startup-like structures with interdisciplinary teams and quick decision-making processes. Combining the customer-focussed 3D printing activities in one location at a dedicated business is an important success factor,” said Volker Hammes, managing director at BASF New Business and future managing director of BASF 3D Printing Solutions.
