BASF to form 3D printing division

Germany-based chemical maker BASF has announced plans to establish a new group company focused on establishing and expanding 3D printing.

Called BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH, the business – which has an official start-up date of September 1, 2017 – will collaborate with researchers and application engineers from BASF and external partners, such as universities and potential customers, to develop 3D printing applications for automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods applications.

“The field of 3D printing for industrial applications is highly dynamic and still emerging,” said Volker Hammes, the future director of BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH. “This means there is a need for agile, startup-like structures with interdisciplinary teams and quick decision-making processes. Combining the customer-focused 3D printing activities in one location at a dedicated business is an important success factor.”

BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH will take over and expand the 3D printing application technology centre in Heidelberg, Germany belonging to Deutsche Nanoschicht GmbH, a subsidiary of BASF New Business.

The new company will initially employ around 30 experts, BASF said, many of whom were already working for BASF in the field of 3D printing.