To continue to expand its position as a leading materials and service provider in the Additive Manufacturing industry, effective August 06, 2020 Forward AM acquires the XSTRAND® business line from Owens Corning, a global building and industrial materials leader. The scope of the acquisition entails the transfer of the brand and key IP, but does not envisage the transfer of any personnel.
This acquisition will enable Forward AM to expand its portfolio with advanced glass fiber reinforced filaments. The superior strength of this material meets the needs of customers with demanding applications in 3D printing.
The XSTRAND® product line consists of three glass fiber reinforced filaments (Polyamide 6, Polypropylene, Polycarbonate) developed by Owens Corning. Parts printed with glass fiber reinforced filaments demonstrate high rigidity and strength. While the XSTRAND® product line contains 30 percent glass fibers, it continues to enable easy printing and handling.
Thanks to the glass fiber reinforcement, XSTRAND® filaments’ mechanical properties outperform market standard polymer filaments. With the integrated glass fibers, the filaments show outstanding heat deflection and high durability, amongst other characteristics, making them particularly suited for challenging applications in 3D printing for automotive or household appliances, for instance.
“Through the acquisition of the Owens Corning XSTRAND® business, we are able to serve our customers with new and innovative filaments for 3D printing. By adding these high-performing materials, Forward AM now offers one of the broadest product ranges in the entire Additive Manufacturing industry, with expert solutions tailored to all industrial customer needs”, explains François Minec, Managing Director BASF 3D Printing Solutions.
Dr. Christopher Skinner, Vice President of Strategic Marketing, Composites, Owens Corning, adds: “BASF’s capability will enable the further acceleration of XSTRAND® products and support future growth of the composites industry. Owens Corning will continue its collaboration with BASF as we transition XSTRAND® to them.”
