Dutch science and materials company Royal DSM has entered a “preferred partnership” with Chromatic 3D Materials to introduce thermoset materials for 3D-printing of finished manufactured goods.
The company, which recently restructured its additive manufacturing activities to respond to growing demand, said April 25 that, through the collaboration, it aims to offer the “the broadest selection of 3D printing materials for the broadest range of printing technologies.”
“Additive manufacturing or 3D printing technology has the potential to fundamentally change the way products are manufactured — offering consumers personalized and customized products in a way that is currently not feasible,” said Hugo da Silva, vice president of the newly formed DSM Additive Manufacturing business.
“With this partnership with Chromatic, we can offer our customers industrial-grade thermosets currently not available for additive manufacturing,” said da Silva.
Chromatic 3D has been described by DSM as “one of the few companies” that can develop technologies to 3D print with thermosets.
Thermosets can offer adaptability, durability and resilience not possible with thermoplastics used in conventional 3D printing processes.
The partnership will aim to combine DSM's market access and expertise with Chromatic's patented technology to jointly develop thermoset materials.
Initial products to be rolled out by DSM include industrial-grade soft and durable thermosets, which are complementary to DSM's current portfolio of thermoplastics for fused filament fabrication (FFF).
Starting immediately, the companies will build a broader portfolio based on customer needs in the strategic markets of footwear, transportation — including automotive — electronics, healthcare electronics and tooling.