Solvay Specialty Polymers Takes Additive Manufacturing to the Next Level

 

Alpharetta, Ga., April 24, 2018 — Solvay aims to take additive manufacturing (AM) to the next level with the launch of three specialty polymer filaments that promise to introduce game-changing performance for 3D-printed parts.

Based on the company’s high-performing KetaSpire® PEEK and Radel® PPSU polymers, the three filaments were unveiled at RAPID + TCT 2018 today and represent the first products in what Solvay plans to become a broader portfolio of specialty polymer filaments and powders designed specifically for high-end AM applications.

Two of the three filaments leverage Solvay’s high-performance KetaSpire® polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer: a neat PEEK product and a 10-percent carbon fiber-reinforced grade. Both PEEK filaments are designed to allow excellent fusion of printed layers, enable high part density and deliver exceptional part strength – including in the z-axis.

The third new filament is based on Solvay’s Radel® polyphenylsulfone (PPSU). Also formulated to allow excellent fusion of layers, this high-performance PPSU material offers high transparency, excellent elongation and superior toughness for 3D-printed parts.

Looking ahead, Solvay is further developing an AM-ready powder based on its NovaSpire® polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) polymer, which will target AM applications in aerospace and healthcare.

“Solvay’s new AM filaments signal an important convergence between additive manufacturing and specialty polymers technology, which is needed to deliver on the promise of high-end 3D printing,” said Christophe Schramm, business manager for additive manufacturing at Solvay’s Specialty Polymers global business unit. “With today’s launch, Solvay is laying the foundation of its strategy to become the leading global supplier of advanced AM-ready polymer solutions for 3D printing technologies. We’re also collaborating with leading industry innovators in printing, process and design to develop new material solutions based on our specialty polymers portfolio.”

Solvay’s strategically proactive approach to the AM industry also prompted the launch of a new e-commerce platform at www.solvayamshop.com. This platform is designed to provide a better customer experience to the fast-growing number of AM technology users by giving them direct and timely access to Solvay’s advanced AM material solutions, as well as transparent pricing. The site will also serve as portal to a series of simulation, testing, and prototyping services that leverage Solvay’s growing partner network and open ecosystem approach.

Find out more at www.solvayam.com.

About Solvay
Solvay is an advanced materials and specialty chemicals company, committed to developing chemistry that address key societal challenges. Solvay innovates and partners with customers worldwide in many diverse end markets. Its products are used in planes, cars, batteries, smart and medical devices, as well as in mineral and oil and gas extraction, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Its light-weighting materials promote cleaner mobility, its formulations optimize the use of resources and its performance chemicals improve air and water quality. Solvay is headquartered in Brussels with around 24,500 employees in 61 countries. Net sales were €10.1 billion in 2017, with 90% from activities where Solvay ranks among the world’s top 3 leaders, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 22%. Solvay SA (SOLB.BE) is listed on Euronext Brussels and Paris (Bloomberg: SOLB.BB – Reuters: SOLB.BR) and in the United States its shares (SOLVY) are traded through a level-1 ADR program.

About Solvay Specialty Polymers
Solvay Specialty Polymers manufactures over 1500 products across 35 brands of high-performance polymers – fluoropolymers, fluoroelastomers, fluorinated fluids, semi-aromatic polyamides, sulfone polymers, ultra-high performance aromatic polymers, and high-barrier polymers – for use in Aerospace, Alternative Energy, Automotive, Healthcare, Membranes, Oil and Gas, Packaging, Plumbing, Semiconductors, Wire & Cable, and other industries. Learn more at www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com.

® KetaSpire, Radel and NovaSpire are registered trademarks of Solvay

Source: Solvay