{"id":42243,"date":"2022-01-06T08:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-06T13:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/?p=42243"},"modified":"2022-04-05T08:40:29","modified_gmt":"2022-04-05T12:40:29","slug":"excellence-for-automotive-3d-printing-materials-from-basf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/excellence-for-automotive-3d-printing-materials-from-basf","title":{"rendered":"Excellence for Automotive: 3D Printing Materials from BASF"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In partnering with BASF AM Forward<\/a>, Shapeways has been able to provide access to a range of superior 3D printing materials for rigorous customer requirements in automotive applications, and more. Headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, Forward AM employs 200 people who are all dedicated to the additive manufacturing industry, whether their roles are commercial or more technical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a recent webinar<\/a> co-presented with Shapeways, BASF powder bed fusion products were the topic at hand. Automotive was also at the forefront of the discussion, as one of the first industries to embrace 3D printing technology, far before most people knew what it was\u2014or what it had the potential to do in the long run. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Automotive Manufacturers Still Top the List for 3D Printing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As 3D printing hit the mainstream in the past decade, only then did the average lay person realize that large automotive companies with vast resources had quietly been using the technology for many years. Today, automotive 3D printing tops the list in terms of industrial users, with the vast number of products still being made for prototypes and proof of concept or test models, as well as mechanical and spare parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working from three different application technology centers\u2014in Heidelberg, Shanghai, and Detroit\u2014the Forward AM team is able to focus on bringing new material products to the automotive industry, which means Shapeways customers are able to access additive manufacturing solutions specific to their designs, whether they are still engaged in product development or moving forward in manufacturing end-use parts for automotive applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Open Additive Manufacturing Systems Are Encouraged<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Compatibility between 3D printing materials and technology is key to ensuring printability, and ultimately, quality parts. Open additive manufacturing systems also promote greater openness to innovation, and allow manufacturers to use all the different materials available for smaller and large-scale 3D printing; however, these processes are contingent on printer specifications meeting printer requirements of any given material so that it can be directly processed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In developing TPU for use with HP\u2019s MJF 3D printing systems, BASF Forward AM took four and a half years to sample and test the materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBASF works with manufacturers to make sure that materials and machine combinations are the best they can be,\u201d said Jeremy Vos, Business Development Manager at BASF Forward AM in North America. \u201cWe don\u2019t participate right now with any types of additive manufacturing that have closed systems.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3D Printing in Automotive\u2013There\u2019s No Reason to Wait Anymore<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many traditional manufacturers are still looking into the technology wondering about the possibilities for their own companies over time, and in many cases procrastinating due to a bevy of concerns about how to integrate such processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFord used to always talk about \u2018now, near, and far,\u2019\u201d said Vos. \u201cThis is kind of that same idea. What’s now? What’s near, what’s far? The difference is that we don\u2019t have any far on here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur photopolymers are the materials growing the fastest right now, as far as technological advancements go. We\u2019ve got all kinds of opportunities for prototyping, for replacement parts, and even for tooling applications where we can use compatible materials to add in assembly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Airbag caption on the car wheel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

BASF Forward AM 3D Printing Materials and Technology<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nylon 6 Mineral Filled (PA6MF)<\/strong>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Available in black, Nylon 6 Mineral Filled<\/a> (PA6MF) is a highly adaptable material, and well-suited for 3D printing as it allows for a transition from metal or alloys to more economical and versatile polymers. Used in highly industrial applications, PA6MF offers the following benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n