DSM enters into FGF and DLP 3D printing technology with new partnerships

Royal DSM, a global science-based company in Nutrition, Health and Sustainable Living today launched a new all-inclusive 3D printing solution for anyone looking to explore the potential of 3D printing. The program - the ‘Trimax Collective’ - is the first of its kind. At the RAPID+TCT 3D printing event in Detroit next week, DSM is also unveiling a series of new partnerships that showcase the company’s entry into the Fused Granulate Fabrication (FGF, also known as Extrusion Deposition) and DLP 3D printing technologies.

Hugo da Silva, Vice President of DSM Additive Manufacturing: “DSM will continue to broaden the range of its material solutions to give our customers the largest choice of printing technologies and materials to best suit their applications. This is why we are building on our SLA, FFF and recently announced powders materials and are entering into the FGF and DLP technologies. These innovative materials take us one step closer to unlocking the full potential of additive manufacturing.”

In conjunction with RAPID+TCT in Detroit, DSM is unveiling a series of new partnerships. The company will collaborate with the Dutch-based CEAD to co-develop FGF (pellet) materials and will purchase one of CEAD’s printers for R&D and commercial purposes. Together, both companies will explore the potential of the FGF printing technology in innovative applications used for tooling or in the automotive industry, amongst others. At RAPID+TCT, DSM will be displaying parts from Additive Engineering Solutions (AES) and Titan Robotics printed with DSM’s material.

Known globally for its ecosystem approach to 3D printing, DSM recently also announced a new partnership with Origin, the San Francisco-based pioneer in Open Additive Manufacturing. The first DSM material optimized for Origin’s printer, Somos® PerFORM HW, will be on display in DSM’s booth at RAPID+TCT 2019. The material shares the advantages of Somos® PerFORM – on demo at the booth - for those looking to explore applications such as aerodynamic testing or rapid tooling.

Other new and exciting materials to be showcased at the DSM booth at RAPID+TCT include Soft ToughRubber™, developed by Adaptive 3D Technologies and commercialized by DSM, and a soon-to-be-launched flame-retardant filament: Novamid® AM1030 FR (F). This material is the first open-platform sustainable solution for applications that require flame-retardant materials due to regulatory requirements. Soft ToughRubber™, on the other hand, is mainly aimed at applications in footwear, textile and automotive thanks to its properties that make it the world’s softest tough AM photopolymer.

Hugo da Silva, VP of DSM AM: “We believe that working together closely with partners across the 3D printing value chain is the best way to push the boundaries of additive manufacturing ever forward. The AM ecosystem is growing bigger every day, giving our customers access to the best of both worlds in terms of materials and printing equipment optimized to their needs. Together, we are making Manufacture Tomorrow a reality.”

New all-inclusive 3D printing solution

In addition to an expansion of its additive manufacturing ecosystem –and building on it –, DSM is unveiling a unique new business solution that will enable companies across the globe to expand their activities in additive manufacturing. The ‘Trimax Collective’ is the first ever all-inclusive 3D printing solution, valorizing DSM’s many partnerships across the 3D printing value chain.

For a monthly fee, the Trimax Collective offers customers a lease solution – in collaboration with financial partner CHG – that includes printer and material; customers also benefit from DSM’s expert guidance in choosing the right technology and materials for specific application purposes. The new solution will initially focus on long-term lease options for stereolithography printers, though will over time come to include additional technologies and short-term trials.

Hugo da Silva, Vice President of DSM Additive Manufacturing: “The Trimax Collective allows us to tackle the two biggest barriers to the widespread adoption of 3D printing that exist today: high investment requirements and a lack of experience with AM. The Trimax Collective is DSM’s way of channeling the power of our AM ecosystem to the benefit of our customers. Thanks to this program, 3D printing will become more accessible than ever before.”

DSM will shed more light on its new partnerships and materials, as well as on the Trimax Collective at the RAPID+TCT 3D printing event in Detroit – booth #303 –, from May 21 to May 23.