BASF is in the process of setting up a new group company to pursue opportunities in the new technology. BASF 3D Printing Solutions, which will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of BASF New Business, will start up on Sept. 1 at Heidelberg, Germany, at the site of another group company, InnovationLab.

The 3D company will take over and expand the 3D printing application technology center in Heidelberg belonging to Deutsche Nanoschicht, an existing subsidiary of BASF New Business. Its work will focus on establishing and expanding business with materials, system solutions, components and services in the new field.

Researchers and application engineers from other units of the BASF group as well as external partners such as universities and potential customers will work together with the new subsidiary, with an eye to developing solutions for a wide array of 3D printing requirements.

Many of the 30-strong expert staff are already working for the chemical group in the field of 3D printing, BASF said. Customers will mainly be firms interested in using 3D printing for industrial production, typically in the automotive, aerospace and consumer goods sectors.

“The field of 3D printing for industrial applications is highly dynamic and still emerging. This means there is a need for agile, startup-like structures with interdisciplinary teams and quick decision-making processes,” said Volker Hammes, managing director at BASF New Business and future managing director of BASF 3D Printing Solutions.

 “Combining the customer-focused 3D printing activities in one location at a dedicated business is an important success factor,” Hammes added.