Clariant flexes 3D printing muscles for changing marketplace

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World leader in specialty chemicals Clariant is flexing its muscles by launching a 3D printing business to provide solutions for a changing additive manufacturing industry.

Clariant has recognised a growing trend for customised and premium 3D printing filaments, as the technology is increasingly being adopted for the production of complex end-use parts for manufacturing equipment and the automotive sector.

Additive manufacturing is growing at a rapid pace globally, with over 28 per cent average annual growth for each of the last seven years, generating a total of $6 billion (£4.5 billion, €5.1 billion) in sales in 2017.

3D printing technology has evolved away from being a niche technology to an industry that can produce geometries that cannot be made using any other manufacturing technique.

The new Clariant 3D printing business leverages the company’s numerous years of experience in tailoring polymers for a broad range of end market applications with pigments, additives and masterbatches, to provide high-grade, 3D printer filaments and specially made solutions.

"At Clariant we have all the capabilities to produce high-grade ready-to-print 3D printer filaments," said Richard Haldimann, Head of New Business Development of Clariant. "We are experienced in delivering specialised and tailored solutions to customers via our Plastics and Coatings businesses. The existing Clariant production infrastructure provides the 3D Printing business with a global footprint to offer desired 3D printer filaments across the world."

Clariant 3D prints and tests all of its materials to ensure printability and the required consistent high quality. Extensive material, application and production expertise allows Clariant to work closely with customers on polymer, additive and colourant selection to address typical end-use conditions such as weathering (sunlight, UV exposure), flame retardancy and electrical properties. In addition to tailored materials, a portfolio of high quality standard material will also be offered.

The 3D printing materials are manufactured by Clariant and are available in flexible lot sizes to meet the specific needs of customers.

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