July 20, 2018 — BASF expands its partnership with Materialise, a leading supplier of 3D printing technologies. At the same time, BASF agreed to invest $ 25 million in the Leuven-based Belgian company. The two partners work together within the framework of an open business model to continuously improve various 3D printing technology materials and software and bring them to market faster. The two companies are currently focusing on applications in the consumer goods industry as well as in the automotive and aerospace industries. This agreement will help BASF to conduct large-scale systematic testing and further optimization of materials through Materialise's infrastructure and printing equipment.
BASF has expanded its cooperation with Materialise, a leading supplier of 3D printing technology, to continuously improve various materials and software and bring them to market faster.
Volker Hammes, Managing Director of BASF 3D Printing Solutions, said: "The two companies' business areas are perfectly complementary, and this cooperation will put the two parties in a better position to find and develop new business opportunities." The two parties aim to accelerate innovative applications and Development of new materials. Hammes added: "Materialise has 3D printing equipment and innovative software solutions in Leuven, and the infrastructure is excellent. By working together, we can take full advantage of both parties to develop new products and technologies with partners and customers. Promote the progress of the 3D printing industry. "
Materialise CEO Fried Vancraen said, "In order to increase the use of 3D printing as an end product to complement manufacturing technology, our industrial customers are increasingly calling for greater control, more options, and ultimately lower costs. We have We are confident that this cooperation with leading materials manufacturers will help us accelerate the penetration of 3D printing in existing vertical markets and create important business opportunities in new markets. "
3D printing is a transformative technology that enables large-scale manufacturing of fully personalized products while maintaining cost efficiency and the potential to revolutionize all industries. At the same time, it also helps to optimize the design and improve functions, such as achieving lighter designs, which cannot be achieved with standard manufacturing techniques. Because of this, more and more industries, including the aerospace, automotive, footwear, and eyewear industries, are adopting 3D printing technology to solve specific manufacturing problems.