Chemical manufacturer Huntsman has launched a series of new materials specifically for 3D printing.
Huntsman's new materials are sold under the name IROPRINT and are available in SLA, HSS and FFF technologies. Each was developed in collaboration with end users and market leaders, with a particular focus on the footwear and sports industries. Stephane Peysson, Huntsman Polyurethanes Global Business Development Manager, said the new IROPRINT product portfolio "fills the void in a range of functional, durable, and softer 3D printing materials that are technology-agnostic, economical and easy to print-regardless of whether What kind of production technology do you like? "
"Before launching the collection, we had been building relationships with major technology partners, who in turn worked with some of the largest shoe brands in the world," Peysson added.
Huntsman's 3D printing history
Huntsman was founded in 1970 to produce a variety of chemical products for the industrial and consumer sectors. It operates in 75 locations in approximately 30 countries and employs approximately 10,000 people.
As a leading manufacturer in this field, the company has a long history of 3D printing. As part of its Advanced Materials division, Huntsman used RenShape stereolithography resins and its Digitalis laser-based rapid manufacturing technology. The two assets were sold to 3D Systems by the company for $ 41 million in November 2011, allowing Huntsman to focus on other "core competitiveness and strategic advantages."
The company also has a partnership with Under Armour, a sports brand. Since then, the brand has launched a 3D printed shoe with Germany's leading Oemos.
Huntsman IROPRINT material
With plans to expand in the near future, the Huntsman IROPRINT family currently includes three product lines:
-IROPRINT R resin for reduction polymerization methods such as SLA and SLP
-IROPRINT P powder, especially suitable for high speed sintering (HSS) for voxeljet and Xaar applications
-IROPRINT F filament for FFF process
IROPRINT P and IROPRINT F materials currently include flexible TPU formulations for manufacturing midsoles and other sports equipment.
The first public preview of the IROPRINT series will be on display at the K Plastics and Rubber Fair in Dusseldorf, Germany, from October 16 to 23, 2019.
When re-entering this strategic market, Peysson concluded, "Entering the additive manufacturing market is an incredibly exciting time, and the industry is expected to grow by more than 20% by 2024."
In addition, he said, "We look forward to discussing the launch of our IROPRINT® additive manufacturing platform with anyone who is actively involved in 3D printing at the main K show in October."