Friday, March 29, 2024

BCN3D, Henkel Join to Develop Formulations for VLM 3D Printing Technology

BARCELONA, Spain and DUSSELDORF, Germany, May 11, 2022 – Today, 3D printing solutions manufacturer BCN3D  Technologies and global leader in adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings Henkel Adhesive Technologies announced a collaboration to develop formulations for the recently released Viscous Lithography Manufacturing (VLM) 3D printing technology. This official announcement is the latest step in what has been an ongoing alliance between the two teams since the year 2020.

With more than 100 years of expertise in applications across industries under its belt, Henkel is more than qualified in its provision of end-to-end engineering solutions for additive manufacturing (AM), the majority of which is conducted through its well-known brand Loctite. Accordingly, BCN3D will take advantage of the collaboration to bring forth new materials for VLM, thus accelerating its vision of unlocking manufacturing autonomy to grant manufacturers full control over every stage of any production process using AM.

Through working collectively, the unique properties of VLM will be leveraged in order to develop new solutions for high-performance resins. This technology consists of a patented lithography-based 3D printing process that laminates thin layers of high viscosity resins onto a transparent transfer film, producing high-performance parts rapidly and affordably. What distinguishes VLM from other resin technologies on the market is its ability to process resins 50 times more viscous than the industry standard. By eliminating a strict low viscosity constraint, a whole new set of ingredients and modifiers can be added to the resin to achieve the desired effect on thermal and mechanical properties. 

Viscous Lithography Manufacturing benefits

The materials currently under development by Henkel and BCN3D cannot yet be fully disclosed; however, one of the primary areas of research is in elastomeric applications – one that is indubitably beneficial from high-viscosity resins. These materials can include a high fraction of oligomers to obtain a loosely crosslinked polymer network: a structure that can flexibly withstand mechanical stresses, act like industrial-grade molded elastomers, and provide improved mechanical properties.

“BCN3D has unveiled a groundbreaking technology that enables printing high viscosity resins. Thermal & mechanical properties are enhanced by additives that typically increase the viscosity of the resins, which in other cases makes them more difficult to print. The BCN3D team has developed a novel technology that removes the limitations of viscosity and allows the printing of a wide range of new materials which we have witnessed firsthand over the last few years of collaboration. We look forward to seeing the tremendous impact VLM technology brings to the additive market together with new Henkel Industrial resins.”, Sam Bail, Director of 3D Printing & Partnerships at Henkel.

Henkel’s 3D printing resins will be implemented in BCN3D’s new Applications Center, where the VLM Technology Adoption Program is taking place. Participants will join renowned companies Saint Gobain and Prodrive in being the first to discover VLM and experiencing its full potential for themselves with real 3D printed parts, accompanied by individual attention to cater to their exact printing needs.

“BCN3D is very excited to announce this collaboration with Henkel, and it represents a significant milestone in the history of VLM. The VLM Technology Adoption Program is showing us the potential of VLM technology and how it can help companies to overcome their current limitations. There is no doubt that this technology combined with new customer-targeted formulations will fulfill the needs of the AM sector.”, Xavier Martínez Faneca, CEO, BCN3D.

The very first official highlight of this joint venture will take place at the Rapid event on the 17-19th of May 2022, at Booth 1535, Huntington Place, Detroit, Michigan, where both companies will explain and illustrate the benefits of a collaboration as such, all while showcasing 3D printed parts made with VLM. 

About Henkel

Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The company holds leading positions with its three business units in both industrial and consumer businesses thanks to strong brands, innovations, and technologies. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the adhesives market, across all industry segments worldwide. In its consumer businesses, Henkel holds leading positions in many markets and categories around the world. Founded in 1876, Henkel looks back on more than 140 years of success;  in the fiscal year 2021, the company reported sales of 20 billion euros and an operating profit of 2.7 billion euros. Henkel employs about 53,000 people globally, consisting of a passionate and highly diverse team, united by a strong company culture and shared values. As a recognized leader in sustainability, Henkel holds top positions in many international indices and rankings. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. For more information, visit www.henkel.com to learn more about Henkel’s innovation in 3D printing visit LoctiteAM.com, and to see how your organization can collaborate with Henkel, please email Loctite3DP@henkel.com.

About BCN3D

BCN3D is one of the leading developers and manufacturers of 3D printing solutions in the world with an installed base in more than 60 countries. Its main clients include Nissan, BMW, NASA, Camper, Louis Vuitton, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). For more information, visit https://www.bcn3d.com.

Nitin Patil
Nitin Patil
Editor and Director of Content, DailyCADCAM.com. Nitin completed his Master's in Mass Communication & Journalism and having 13 years of work experience as an editor, content writer with renowned international technical magazines and media companies. He is associated with CAD,CAM industry since 2008.
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