BASF announced the regional expansion in a new business direction: industrial 3D printing. Materials and services for additive manufacturing are now present on the Russian market and in the CIS countries: Ultrafuse filaments, which can even be used with such 3D printers as Raise3D Pro3 (https://top3dshop.com/product/raise3d-pro3-3d-printer), Ultrasint laser sintering powders, and Ultracur photopolymer resins.
The newly created division focuses on developments, projects and solutions for key industries: consumer products, mechanical engineering, automotive and transport, chemical and petrochemical industry, medicine and dentistry, construction and architecture, inter-industry solutions in terms of robotics and information technology.
In cooperation with BASF Forward AM’s R&D centers, customers and partners will be able to receive expert advice from the professionals and conduct tests, as well as use the service of 3D modeling, visualization and printing of complex geometric shapes. Leading experts in the field of additive technologies, now with the access to years-long developments of the company, will be able to support the development and integration of 3D printing into the existing methodology.
BASF International began working on 3D printing solutions in 2015 as part of the BASF New Business divisions and opened a technology center in Heidelberg a year later. Founded in 2019, the BASF Forward AM division is focused entirely on 3D printing solutions. The cross-industry alliances created offer potential for business growth. The group collaborates with leaders in 3D printing printers, integrating their requirements into its products and increasing the compatibility of components and technical equipment. By partnering with manufacturing companies, BASF is accumulating knowledge and expertise, contributing to out-of-the-box solutions.
Machine tools and complex production equipment can now be repaired using 3D printing technology with highly durable and chemically resistant materials. In some cases, this approach makes it possible to significantly reduce equipment downtime at industrial facilities, as well as to eliminate the need to order unique spare parts from third-party suppliers. 3D printing is effectively used in various industries as well.
For example, having the required biomechanical characteristics to reduce the transmission of vibrations into the cabin, plastic, lightweight and temperature-resistant materials successfully become elements of the interior and underbody space in the automotive industry. Fire resistance and electrically conductive properties of materials allow the experts to realize complex tasks in production of electronics. 3D technologies with corresponding materials are increasingly being used in medicine in the production of orthoses, orthopedic shoes and preparation for dental prosthetics, since they fully comply with ISO standards (ISO 10993-5 (2009), ISO 10993-10 (2013)).
The company does not rest and every year it expands the scope of its technology. For example, in 2021 BASF presented 3D printing innovations at the international exhibition for equipment and technologies for the footwear and leather industry Simac. The event showcases 3D printed shoes and their individual elements. In addition to the fact that the material provides good cushioning and reduced shoe weight, it is also a step toward zero carbon emissions: the polyurethanes used are partly based on renewable raw materials, the technology itself does away with one of the traditional production steps.
“3D printing is one of the most topical areas today, and we see great potential for its development in Russia and the CIS countries. Companies are increasingly moving from traditional production methods to this advanced method. BASF is ready to offer the market a wide portfolio, including all three types of products – filaments, powders and photopolymer resins, and guarantees their stable high quality due to the direct access to the raw materials of its own production. We are confident that our new offer will help our partners and customers expand their capabilities beyond the traditional methods of industrial production and increase their efficiency,” said Anna Anoshina, regional head of BASF’s 3D printing solutions division.
