Aug 18, 2017 | By David
Regular mergers and acquisitions are signs of a burgeoning industry becoming more mature, as large companies start to emerge or come in from other fields to take over and stabilize the market, and this is a process we have definitely seen with the 3D printing industry of late. The German chemistry company BASF is a prime example, as the world’s largest producer of chemicals has recently been exercising its considerable financial clout to begin its expansion into 3D printing. Another significant step along this road was recently taken, as BASF acquired Innofil3D, the Dutch 3D printing materials company.
Based in the Netherlands, Innofil3D manufactures filaments for FDM/FFF 3D printing. The company, which was established in 2014 as a spin-off of Applied Polymer Innovations, already has a major international distribution network. Its thermoplastic materials include PLA, PET, PVA, and ABS filaments, all of which are customized and of a particularly high quality to guarantee an excellent final product at the end of the 3D printing process. Last year we reported on the company’s new Pro 1 range, which promises to increase 3D printing speeds by up to 80 percent.
BASF, which generated sales of around 58 billion euros in 2016 and has over 100,00 employees worldwide, will own 100 percent of Innofil3D’s business. As part of its gradual move towards more sustainable solutions as well as disruptive technologies that will move the use of materials forward in a range of different sectors, the company has been supplying companies in 3D printing, such as HP, with the chemicals required to develop their products. This new acquisition has taken these efforts a stage further and it can now add the entire Innofil3D product range to its growing 3D printing portfolio. BASF's presence in the world of additive manufacturing also includes the recently established BASF 3D Printing Solutions in Heidelberg, Germany.
“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.
BASF New Business is focused on identifying new chemical-based materials, technologies and system solutions, working closely with BASF’s global research platforms. Key areas of interest for new business opportunities include transportation, building and construction, consumer goods, health & nutrition, electronics, agriculture and energy & resources. The innovation arm of BASF also aims to promote technological progress through development of new products.
Innofil3D will continue with its current business activities, with its experienced and successful team adding their skills to strengthen the BASF 3D Printing Solutions team. The acquisition will also enable Innofil3D to become a key development and production platform for filaments.
According to Jeroen Wiggers, Managing Director of Innofil3D, “We are very happy to be part of BASF. One of the first immediate advantages is that this will accelerate the further development of the newest filament technologies, making us even better able to help our customers be successful now and in the future.”
“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,” added Hammes.
Posted in 3D Printing Materials
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@Gerd Schwaderer: Thanks! Fixed.
Gerd Schwaderer wrote at 8/22/2017 8:44:38 AM:
BASF total revenue 2016 was 58 BILLION, not 58 Million :-) BASF also established the "New Business GmbH", which will focus on the 3DPrinting market and is located in Heidelberg, next to Volume Graphics. https://www.basf.com/de/company/news-and-media/news-releases/2017/07/p-17-278.html
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