In its latest venture into the 3D additive manufacturing field, BASF has acquired 100% of the filament producer Innofil3D, headquartered in Emmen, the Netherlands, through its affiliate BASF New Business. Previously, BASF announced that it would establish BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH in September this year with the objective of establishing and expanding the business with materials, system solutions, components and services in the field of 3D printing,

 “With this acquisition, BASF is moving one step further along the value chain and can now provide not only plastic granulate for 3D printing but also the next processing level: the filaments,” said Volker Hammes, Managing Director at BASF New Business.

Innofil3D is a leading producer of high-value customized thermoplastic filaments that are used in fused filament fabrication. The functionality of the printed item is determined not only by the plastics, but also by the consistently high quality of the filaments. The Dutch company’s product range will add thermoplastic filaments for 3D printing to BASF’s portfolio. “Following the recently announced establishment of BASF 3D Printing Solutions, this is another important step in strengthening our 3D business,” explained Hammes.

Innofil3D will continue its current business activities and will also become a key development and production platform for filaments. “Innofil3D’s well-filled product pipeline in combination with BASF’s plans to develop high-performance filaments will form an important foundation of BASF’s solutions for layered 3D printing,” said Hammes.

“We are very happy to be part of BASF. One of the first immediate advantages is that this will accelerate the further development of the newest filament technologies, making us even better able to help our customers be successful now and in the future,” explained Jeroen Wiggers, Managing Director of Innofil3D.