In recent years, chemical and materials giants have also been deploying 3D printing industries, such as BASF, Dow, Clariant, etc. The methods of intervention include research and development of their own materials, investment in 3D printing companies, etc. Earlier last week, Carbon received $ 260 million in investment, of which chemical giant Arkema invested $ 20 million.
Silicon Valley Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) technology company Carbon has announced a strategic partnership with French chemical company Arkema to develop a new era of material properties and innovative supply chain models.
Thierry LeHénaff, Chairman and CEO of Arkema, said, "Arkema has invested $ 20 million in Carbon to develop a digital manufacturing platform. We will continue our efforts to provide partners and customers with next-generation Carbon products and complete solutions. Solutions to change the way parts are mass produced and accelerate new market opportunities. "
Since its establishment in 2013, Carbon has been working with Arkema's subsidiary Sartomer to provide professional advanced additive manufacturing materials worldwide. The company has been pushing resin manufacturing to make parts made with DLS technology more reliable and more cost-competitive.
Dr. Joseph DeSimone, CEO and co-founder of Carbon, explained: "Arkema has been an important partner to us since Carbon was founded. Over the years we have brought new and innovative materials to the market and we have seen all the things we work together The amazing results are beneficial. "
Through Arkema's investment, we have launched a deeper collaboration to introduce cutting-edge materials and innovative solutions for ourselves and Carbon. According to Sartomer, these companies share a common vision for the industry: solutions and material sustainability tailored to customers.
Following a new round of funding led jointly by Madrone Capital Partners and Baillie Gifford, Carbon's valuation has reached approximately $ 2.4 billion.
In addition, Carbon's partnership with American football equipment supplier Riddell brings 3D printed Precision-Fit linings to its SpeedFlex Precision Diamond helmet.
Greg Penner, founder and general partner of Madrone Capital Partner and chairman of Wal-Mart, said, "What impresses me is the diversity of Carbon in the market and industry. By partnering with large manufacturers in the automotive, healthcare and consumer goods sectors, They prove that with its digital photo-synthesis technology, additive manufacturing in mass production is becoming a reality in all industries. "
In April 2019, Arkema's new light-curing advanced liquid resin production line at the Nansha base in southern Guangdong, China, has been successfully put into operation, with a capacity increase of 30%. This new production line will help meet strong demand in the Asian electronics, 3D printing, adhesives and inkjet printing markets. This investment will also help Arkema's Sartomer develop cutting-edge solutions in advanced and sustainable curing technologies.
The new production line will focus on the production of state-of-the-art UV, LED and EB (electron beam) liquid resins, bringing high-efficiency and high-performance advantages to photocuring systems dedicated to high-end applications, such as in the field of electronics, which can be used for printed circuits And design of mobile, smartphone, tablet and TV screens. The line will also produce Sartoma's expanding unique resin portfolio N3xtDimension® for 3D printed products.
"This investment strengthens our commitment to provide state-of-the-art innovative photocurable resin solutions and services to customers worldwide, giving them a leading competitive advantage in their respective market segments," said Arkema's Executive Vice President of Advanced Materials Business Christophe Andre said, "Thanks to our internal team and partners for helping us launch this new production line as scheduled. We also want to thank our customers who have been using Sadoma products for their trust and support for many years."
With its production bases and R & D facilities in Europe, Asia and the United States, Sartomer is a global leader in specialty photocurable resins. Sartomer aims to be close to its customers and to be a distinctive partner. It has strong strength in the local area, providing high-quality technical support and fast response localized logistics services to meet the personalized development of customers.
These advanced solvent-free specialty liquid resins are environmentally friendly and meet global low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) low-emission standards. They are part of Arkema's strategy for research and development and provision of sustainable solutions. make a contribution.
As a designer of materials and innovative solutions, Arkema focuses on shaping new materials and revolutionizing application methods to help customers improve product performance. Our balanced and diverse product line covers the areas of high performance materials, industrial specialty products and coating solutions. Arkema has a series of world-renowned brands, occupying leading positions in all related fields. In 2018, Arkema has annual sales of 8.8 billion euros, operates in nearly 50 countries around the world, and has approximately 20,000 employees. We are committed to working actively with all stakeholders. The R & D centers in North America, France and Asia focus on research and development of bio-based products, new energy, water resources management, electronics solutions, lightweight materials and design, energy conservation and barriers for houses.