Evonik acquisition Structured Polymer to expand portfolio of 3D printed polymers

Evonik Industries (Essen, Germany) announced the acquisition of Structured Polymer Inc., a startup based in Austin, Texas.

Dr. Ralph Marquardt, Head of Strategy and Growth at Evonik Resources & Efficiency, said: "The acquisition of Structured Polymer complements our existing business and provides high performance polymers for additive manufacturing. Thanks to our polymer Decades of expertise in chemistry means that we will expand our portfolio of custom, ready-to-use polymer materials to accommodate the highly attractive and fast-growing 3D printing market, key to shaping this market. effect."

Founded in 2012, the company aims to innovate and commercialize new polymer powders for additive manufacturing processes, including HP's multi-jet fusion and selective laser sintering processes. The company will integrate Structured Polymer into Evonik's North American organization. The company headquarters will remain in Austin, Texas.

In the fall of 2017, Evonik laid the foundation for the acquisition of this technology start-up through venture capital.

“We are very pleased to take advantage of Evonik's strength to further expand our innovative technology platform,” said Vikram Devarajan, CEO of Structured Polymer. “In the near future, this will enable our 3D printed materials market to be largely realized. Diversify and develop new business opportunities with our customers."

The innovative technology of Structured Polymers starts with polymer particles and converts them into fine powders through different process steps. This allows the particle size of the polymer powder to be controlled between 0.1 and 400 microns while achieving excellent material properties.

Grosse Puppendahl, head of Evonik's Innovative Growth in Additive Manufacturing, explains: "This new technology allows us to take any semi-crystalline thermoplastic such as PET, polyether ketone, PA 6 or polymer powder with special properties, such as Color, conductivity or flame retardancy, produced using a common powder-based 3D printing process, such as selective laser sintering, high speed sintering or multi-jet melting. In addition, we expect the technology of Structured Polymer to be easily scaled and achieved. Economic benefits.

Evonik said the 3D printing market is booming at double-digit growth rates. In this market, Evonik claims to be the world's leading producer of PA12 powder, which has been used in additive manufacturing technology for more than 20 years. In addition to PEEK filaments and PA 12 powders, the company's product portfolio also includes flexible PEBA powders and a range of additives such as dispersants, flow enhancers and reactive modifiers.