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Royal DSM (Geleen, Netherlands) announces a partnership with 3D printing supplier CEAD (Delft, Netherlands) to explore fused granulate fabrication (FGF) technologies and materials, with the goal of developing new applications in tooling and end-use parts for automotive, marine and infrastructure.

DSM and CEAD will work together to create new materials, to update CEAD’s 3D printing technology and to improve both companies’ processes. As part of the partnership, DSM will purchase a CEAD robotic printer, which features a novel extruder system and is placed on a 6-axis robotic arm from Comau (Grugliasco, Italy) and with control software from Siemens (Waltham, Mass., U.S.). The machine is also equipped with a milling center and scanning unit for post-processing the parts directly on the machine.

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With this equipment, CEAD and DSM say they will be able to create materials profiles optimized for FGF printing. They also intend to extend the technology for use with continuous fibers for advanced applications.

DSM says it is committed to advancing the additive manufacturing industry by creating a global 3D printing ecosystem, and this partnership will help the company achieve this goal.

“By expanding our offering to FGF materials, DSM gives manufacturers across the globe maximal flexibility in choosing the material and technology that best suits their desired application,” explains Patrick Duis, segment leader for transportation at DSM Additive Manufacturing. “FGF technology allows us to use highly filled polymers that increase the thermal, mechanical needs and the performance of our application and thus takes us closer to injection molded parts.”

“The relationship between the 3D-printing technology and the materials that are used in the process, are key. Through this collaboration with DSM and their understanding of the materials, we are able to fully leverage the technology to its full potential,” says Maarten Logtenberg, CEO of CEAD.

For more on the latest in continuous fiber 3D printing:

• “Industrialized continuous fiber composite printing in Delft”  
• “Moving continuous-fiber 3D printing into production”