Arkema acquires 10% stake in French AM service E3DF (ERPRO)
Arkema will acquire a 10% stake in E3DF to gain new expertise and accelerate the development of new applications for its high-performance polymers.
ERPRO 3D FACTORY (E3DF) is a startup founded in 2017 by French company ERPRO Group, which specializes in large-series additive manufacturing. Since its creation, E3DF has already produced more than 19 million parts, most of which have been made with 100% bio-based polyamide 11 powder.
Active since 1997, ERPRO Group is a leader in France in additive manufacturing and plastic injection molding. The company makes prototypes, small and large series for all sectors of activity. The group offers a wide range of additive manufacturing technologies, complemented by engineering (design, topological optimization), machining, plastic injection and finishing services. Erpro’s 3D printing capabilities include technologies such as wire deposition, FDM and CFF composite, stereolithography, Carbon DLS, SLS, Multi Jet Fusion and metal PBF, along with other capabilities such as machining, molding silicone, RIM molding, rotational molding, plastic injection, paint finish and chrome paint.
Arkema set up a close partnership with E3DF in 2018, in order to develop numerous projects in cosmetics, medical, automotive and eyewear applications using its unique range of bio-based and recyclable specialty polyamides, and its N3xtDimension advanced liquid UV-curable resins, perfectly suited to the fast-growing and demanding 3D printing market.
With this investment of 10% in E3DF, Arkema will become a member of the strategic committee of the company and thus reinforce its existing partnership. The combination of Arkema, designer of innovative solutions, and E3DF, a specialist in large-series additive manufacturing, will accelerate the development of new high-value-added applications in 3D printing.
This transaction is in line with Arkema’s strategy to develop its Specialty Materials in applications that address major sustainable development challenges.
