In a move to strengthen its 3D portfolio, BASF New Business, part of German chemical giant BASF SE, has acquired Dutch filament producer Innofil3D BV.
The size of the transaction, which does not need approval from antitrust authorities, has not been disclosed.
The Emmen, Netherlands-based Innofil3D, said Aug. 18 that it will play a “central role” in BASF's production of filaments for 3D printing.
“With this acquisition, BASF is moving one step further along the value chain and can now provide not only plastic granulate for 3D printing but also the next processing level: the filaments,” said Volker Hammes, managing director at BASF New Business.
Innofil3D produces high-value customized filaments (long, thin plastic fibers) that are used in fused filament fabrication. The company manufactures monofilaments based on polylactic acid, PET and ABS, as well as a range based on recycled filament material. It also supplies specials — customized products offering properties such as more flexibility or water solubility — and high-performance filaments targeted at the professional user.
The acquisition follows a July 28 announcement by BASF of plans to set up BASF 3D Printing Solutions in Heidelberg, Germany.
Hammes described the purchases as “another important step in strengthening our 3D business.”
Innofil3D will continue its current business activities and will also become a development and production platform for filaments.
“Innofil3D's well-filled product pipeline in combination with BASF's plans to develop high-performance filaments will form an important foundation of BASF's solutions for layered 3D printing,” Hammes said.
BASF is planning to establish a new group company, BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH, as of Sept. 1 to advance its 3D printing ambitions.
This wholly-owned subsidiary of BASF New Business GmbH will be headquartered in Heidelberg at the site of InnovationLab GmbH.
The new business will focus on establishing and expanding the business with materials, system solutions, components and services in the field of 3D printing.
BASF has said that the new company will work closely with researchers and application engineers from BASF and external partners, such as universities and potential customers, in order to develop solutions “for a wide array of requirements.”
“The field of 3D printing for industrial applications is highly dynamic and still emerging. This means there is a need for agile, startup-like structures with interdisciplinary teams and quick decision-making processes,” said Hammes said.