voxeljet and Evonik to develop new polymer materials for binder jetting
3D printer manufacturer voxeljet AG is teaming up with Creavis, the strategic innovation arm of Evonik Industries, to pursue the development of new plastic materials for binder jetting 3D printing. voxeljet and Evonik will also reportedly present “new technology” at Formnext 2019 this month.
Evonik has long been a critical materials partner for voxeljet, a Germany-based company known for its binder jetting technology compatible with sand, ceramics and polymers. Together, the companies have brought to market a number of polymer powders for voxeljet’s 3D printing systems. With the recent agreement, they are deepening this collaboration to introduce addition material systems for binder jetting to unlock industrial applications.
“In Evonik, we have found an excellent partner who provides us with customized material systems for our 3D printing technology,” said Dr. Ingo Ederer, CEO and Founder of voxeljet. “This research collaboration is intended to enhance our efforts in the 3D printing of polymers for series production.”
“voxeljet is one of the leading manufacturers of large-format, high-speed 3D printers,” added Prof. Dr. Stefan Buchholz, Managing Director of Evonik Creavis GmbH. “Together, we aim to develop new powder-binder systems which will allow the 3D printing of polymer components with industrial utility.”
At Formnext this year, Evonik will be showcasing a range of its 3D printing materials, including Polyamide 613 powder, an implant-quality PEEK-based filament and more. It will also reveal more details about its research in the binder jetting field. The development of binder jetting material systems is part of the Evonik Additive Manufacturing Innovation growth field.
As Thomas Große-Puppendahl, who runs the innovation growth field, said: “Our strategic focus is on the development and manufacture of “ready-to-use” high-performance materials across the major branches of technology. Our close collaboration with our customers and partners is what enables us to forge ahead with innovation.”
voxeljet, for its part, will not only be highlighting its binder jetting technologies, as it will be presenting a prototype of its new VX1000 HSS 3D printer. The new High Speed Sintering (HSS) machine boasts a large build volume (248 liters), and will have applications in mass producing plastic parts for the sports equipment, consumer goods, automotive and electronics sectors, among others.
