Nine global startup firms are recognized for innovation in a recent report on polymer 3D printing.
The report from research firm IDTechEx of Cambridge, England, said that while several new technologies and materials have originated from legacy players like Stratasys and 3D Systems, many have been created by startups that "are looking to push polymer additive manufacturing's boundaries in capabilities and applications."
The global polymer additive manufacturing market is expected to be worth more than $21 billion by 2033, according to the report, which includes 85 forecast lines across polymer hardware and materials and more than 50 company profiles.
3D polymer printing companies described as innovators in the report include:
Evolve Additive Solutions of Minnetonka, Minn, which has developed the Selective Electrophotographic Thermoplastic Process (STEP), which combines elements of powder bed fusion, sheet lamination, and 2D laser printing.
Xolo GmbH of Berlin and Readily3D of Lausanne, Switzerland, who are doing work with volumetric additive manufacturing. Xolo focuses on photopolymer resins, while Readily3D focuses more on biocompatible materials for medical applications.
AlphaPowders of Warsaw is looking to reduce the cost of thermoplastic powders by developing equipment that converts cheaply synthesized thermoplastic powder into AM-grade powder.
Tiamet3D of Rotterdam, The Netherlands, is working to make 3D printing of performance parts more accessible through their composite PLA filament incorporating nano-diamonds.
Reflow of Amsterdam has developed a filament production process using recycled plastic. Officials said the firm's recycled PETG has attractive material properties while making use of recycled PET plastic feedstock.
Bond3D of Enschene, The Netherlands, is supplying parts made from their high-temperature thermoplastic rod extrusion technology that reduces voids and increases end-part performance.
Arevo of Milpitas, Calif., has developed continuous carbon fiber composite extrusion technology for the sporting goods and furniture industry.
OPT Industries of Medford, Mass., has introduced a roll-to-roll stereolithography process that uses mechanical metamaterials to make nasal swabs for biomedical applications.