BASF announced the acquisition of Owens Corning's XSTRAND business, which expands the product portfolio of Forward AM 3D printing materials.
The acquisition will enable Forward AM to integrate key intellectual property rights and the XSTRAND brand, but according to the agreement, personnel transfers will not be considered.
As the XSTRAND brand transitions to BASF, the company will add advanced glass fiber reinforced filaments to its fuse manufacturing (FFF) products. At present, BASF's FFF products are composed of TPU, TPE, TPC, HiPS, PCTG, PP, PA, PET, ABS and PLA grades and Ultrafuse 316L metal wires.
After acquiring XSTRAND, BASF will provide glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6 (PA 6), polypropylene (PP) and polycarbonate (PC) materials. These 30% glass fiber filled materials have the advantages of PA 6, PP and PC, and at the same time have higher strength, rigidity, thermal deformation and durability. They are each suitable for a range of applications in the automotive and household appliances market.
François Minec, General Manager of BASF 3D Printing Solutions, said: “By acquiring Owens Corning’s XSTRAND business, we are able to provide innovative filament services for 3D printing. By adding these high-performance materials, Forward AM now provides the entire additive manufacturing industry. One of the most extensive product series in China, and customized expert solutions for all industrial customer needs."
Dr. Christopher Skinner, Vice President of Strategic Marketing for Composites at Owens Corning added: “BASF’s capabilities will further expand XSTRAND products and support the future growth of the composites industry. When we transition from XSTRAND to BASF, Owens Corning will Continue to cooperate with BASF."