Stratasys established an authorised materials partner programme to expand the range of high-performance polymers available to manufacturers, leveraging its fused deposition modelling process using FDM Technology in 3D printing applications. As an initial step, Solvay helped launch the programme at RAPID+TCT 2019 fair held at Michigan, US, recently.

Solvay will now deliver new polymers for Stratasys F900 3D Printer, said a press release by Stratasys.

For more than two decades, Stratasys has helped customers engineer durable, highly repeatable 3D printed parts for high-performance environments leveraging its advanced materials – including FDM Nylon 12CF, FDM TPU 92A, and Antero 800NA Pekk-based material. Under the authorised materials partner programme, Solvay will access exclusive tools and Stratasys expertise to develop materials aligned with the company’s quality and performance benchmarks. The partners will share an authorised partner materials roadmap to guide Solvay’s selection and development of materials for Stratasys FDM printers.

“Stratasys is committed to expanding our portfolio of advanced, specialised materials for high performance FDM printers enabling manufacturers to readily use 3D printing for production applications,” said Rich Garrity, president, US for Stratasys. “By combining our expertise with Solvay, customers can make use of a broad range of high performance applications – all while maintaining the level of quality and reliability expected from Stratasys high-performance FDM consumables.”

“With this strategic partnership, we are combining Stratasys’ leadership in fused deposition modelling 3D printing with Solvay’s leadership in developing high-performance, AM-ready materials for the most demanding applications in a large number of industries,” said Christophe Schramm, business manager for additive manufacturing in Solvay’s specialty polymers global business unit. “This is fully in line with Solvay’s ambition to push the limits of high-performance additive manufacturing.”

Solvay is an advanced materials and specialty chemicals company, committed to developing chemistry that addresses key societal challenges. Solvay’s products are used in planes, cars, batteries, smart and medical devices, as well as in mineral and oil and gas extraction, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Its light-weighting materials promote cleaner mobility, its formulations optimise the use of resources and its performance chemicals improve air and water quality.

Stratasys is a global leader in additive manufacturing or 3D printing technology and is the manufacturer of FDM and Polyjet 3D Printers. The company’s technologies are used to create prototypes, manufacturing tools, and production parts for industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, consumer products and education. (PC)