3D printing or “additive manufacturing” represents a true industrial revolution. Affording freedom of design, time saving and elimination of costly molding stages, the 3D printing technology has everything in its favor to optimize production methods and facilitate the work of design consultants, architects as well designers.
To accompany the booming 3D printing market, Arkema has decided to invest in R&D and make it one of its main development vectors and so develop ever more innovative solutions attuned in particular to the expectations of the medical, aerospace, architectural and prototyping sectors.
Following on from lighter materials, renewable raw materials, materials for energy, water treatment solutions and materials for electronics, materials for 3D printing have now become Arkema’s 6th R&D platform. An international team of researchers and engineers dedicated to developing solutions for 3D Printing is based in Arkema's R&D centers in France and in USA.
A world leader in high performance polymers, Arkema already offers a comprehensive and varied range of materials for the manufacture of prototypes and functional technical short runs, using either the Laser Sintering technology, including for ultra high-tech components, or the 3D printing/UV curing process.
The Group is showcasing its full range of Orgasol® polyamide powders and Rilsan® fine powders, Sartomer acrylate resins, and specific PEKK grades at the Euromold trade show being held in Düsseldorf from 22 to 25 September 2015.