Shaping new materials to applications

The plastics industry is experiencing significant developments in response to the expanding use of 3D printing and additive manufacturing (AM). Plastic compounds have become a cornerstone in this development, offering versatility, affordability, and a vast array of properties suitable for numerous applications. Companies like TotalEnergies Corbion and Insight Polymers & Compounding are at the forefront of this trend, with a focus on sustainability and the development of polymers for metal replacement. Additionally, manufacturers are focusing on developing materials for complete, functional finished articles and addressing the growth in the size of 3D printed parts.

Innovative materials such as Infinam eCO, a PA12 powder for 3D printing, are also making waves in the industry due to their sustainability and substantial reduction in CO2 emissions. Furthermore, companies like Evonik and Lehvoss are collaborating to develop reinforced polyamides, utilizing advanced techniques and materials that match the 3D printing process. The industry is also witnessing the development of ultra-high-performance filaments like Vega, designed for aerospace manufacturing and expected to bring substantial advantages in weight reduction and lead time savings.

The future of 3D printing technology is marked by diversity and functionality, with a focus on space missions, high-performance materials, and rapid advancements in material science. Companies like Stratasys and Markforged are pushing boundaries by providing 3D-printed materials for lunar missions and introducing ultra-high-performance filaments for aerospace manufacturing.

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