With the acquisition of Innofil3D in August 2017, BASF set up a new and central location for the production of plastic-based filaments. This has now been followed by further acquisitions in the field of additive manufacturing. The integration of Advanc3D Materials gives the chemical company access to a UV-resistant plastic powder with a particularly fine degree of grinding and good flow behavior, and also access to the expertise of Lyon specialists in the field of SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) printing processes. Setup Performance is a Lyon-based development partner of Advanc3D as well, which has previously also acted as a contract manufacturer, incorporating its know-how into the development of specific processes and products for additive SLS manufacturing.

The increased commitment of BASF 3D Printing Solutions shows that the Group attaches more and more importance to low-cost and fast batch production of small series according to individual customer specifications. According to a survey conducted by the digital association Bitkom , 56% of the surveyed companies currently consider 3D printing a key industrial technology of crucial importance.