German specialty chemical company Evonik Industries announced plans to build a new production line for special polyamide 12 powder (PA12) in Marl, Germany. According to Evonik, the investment volume is in the mid double-digit million euro range.
The new plant will increase the Group’s existing annual capacity for polyamide 12 powders by 50 % and is scheduled to become operational in late 2017. The PA 12 powders are sold under the brand name VESTOSINT.
“The planned investment in the new polyamide 12 powder facility represents the next step in our growth strategy. Our intention is to solidify Evonik’s leading position as a provider of polyamide 12-based high performance polymers and utilize the growth potential of new application areas,” said Dr. Ralph Sven Kaufmann, Chief Operating Officer of Evonik.
Evonik anticipates significant increases in demand in tool-free production, especially in the 3D printing industry. “We project attractive market growth. The new production line in Marl will meet the growing demand for PA12 powder products in the long term to support our customers’ growth,” said Dr. Claus Rettig, the Chairman of the Board of Management of Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH.
Due to their mechanical properties and chemical resistance as well as the high melting point of finished products, PA12 powders are particularly suitable for use in powder-based 3D printing processes such as selective laser sintering (SLS) and high-speed sintering (HSS). Fiber composite materials represent another growth field. Polyamide 12 powders are an ideal matrix for thermoplastic composites made of fiberglass, carbon fibers, and aramid or steel fibers. Applications can be found in the automotive and oil drilling industry, the sports sector and in orthopedics.
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