BASF, HP Launch Polypropylene for AM

BASF and HP have joined together to launch a polypropylene (PP) for additive manufacturing (AM). The HP 3D High Reusability PP enabled by BASF provides customers with an AM material that is said to offer the same properties as commonly used PPs in injection molding, which has been proven to have nearly unlimited use.

Developed in partnership with BASF for HP’s Jet Fusion 5200 3D Series, the new PP delivers high productivity and minimizes waste for industrial-level manufacturing. The companies claim that the new PP helps reduce waste by enabling up to 100% reusability of surplus powder. Offering chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, and long-term durability, PP is said to be ideal for piping, fluid systems and containers.

The Forward AM by BASF team and HP are working with companies including Extol, GKN Powder Metallurgy/Forecast 3D, Henkel, Oechsler and Prototal to jointly develop applications with the new PP on HP Jet Fusion 5200 3D printing systems.

“The introduction of PP is another important step as we collaborate on best-in-class materials to transform manufacturing,” says François Minec, Managing Director, BASF 3D Printing Solutions. “Our teams have worked closely to develop a high quality, sophisticated PP that fully leverages the advanced capabilities of HP’s Jet Fusion 5200 platform – truly a win-win for innovative companies investing in the shift to digital manufacturing.”

BASF is a foundational partner in HP’s 3D printing materials ecosystem and the two companies have collaborated on an array of materials including ULTRASINT TPU01 thermoplastic polyurethane released last year.