Our Story
Who We Are
At BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH, we provide 3D printing solutions along the entire Additive Manufacturing value chain, under the brand Forward AM:
From consultancy and development, through bespoke design, digital simulation and prototype printing, to finishing and exhaustive component testing – we provide you with exactly what your business needs. Whichever material you require for your specific project, Forward AM offers you the world’s largest selection of 3D printing materials and service solutions.
Our development goals are to design durable materials and holistic solutions for the industrial-scale manufacturing of end products, for example in the automotive and aerospace industries, in consumer goods, and in the industrial, medical and dental sector. The majority of our potential customers are companies that intend to use 3D printing for industrial production.
On September 01, 2017, BASF New Business GmbH founded the new Group company BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH (B3DPS). This 100 percent subsidiary of BASF New Business GmbH is based in Heidelberg, Germany on the InnovationLab GmbH site.
BASF invests in research and development, as well as in business development of the industrial and functional application of 3D printing. Together with numerous specialist industry partners, new materials, integrated system solutions and service offers are developed continually. BASF R&D laboratories are located in Ludwigshafen (Germany), Lyon (France), Shanghai (China), and Wyandotte (US).
“Additive Manufacturing is the key to a fascinating new world of opportunities, impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing techniques. A world that redefines the limits of industrial design and functionality and opens up completely new horizons for serial manufacturing. Explore this new world of potential – with us at Forward AM! “
François Minec, Managing Director, BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH
Key Milestones in the History of BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH
2017
In mid-August 2017, BASF New Business GmbH acquired all shares in the Dutch 3D filament manufacturer Innofil3D, an internationally leading manufacturer of high-quality customized filaments for 3D layer extrusion (Fused Filament Fabrication). The Innofil3D product range extended the BASF portfolio with thermoplastic filaments for 3D printing. Innofil3D became the central FFF development and production platform for BASF.
2017-2018
On September 01, 2017, BASF New Business GmbH founded the new Group company BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH.
In July 2018, BASF New Business GmbH acquired all shares in Advanc3D Materials GmbH, Hamburg, and Setup Performance SAS with a production site in Lyon. These acquisitions were an important step for BASF in expanding its Powder Bed Fusion business area.
2019
Forward AM was born. With the introduction of its new Forward AM corporate brand, we continues to pursue its goal of driving industrial scalability as the next phase of additive-based manufacturing, “AM”. “Forward” stands for future-oriented, leading-edge materials and technology, while “AM” stands for “Additive Manufacturing”. The new arrow-symbol brand logo and “Innovating Additive Manufacturing” baseline emphasize the company’s dynamic approach to this exciting industrial manufacturing sector.
2020
Forward AM offers selected 3D printing materials through the French 3D printing service provider Sculpteo. To provide customers with components printed with the latest high performance materials, Sculpteo has expanded its local production capacity. Its newly installed 3D printing systems now enable Sculpteo to provide customers with a comprehensive array of advanced Forward AM materials.
Are you interested in collaborating with us?
We’re looking forward to hearing from you! Contact us now and we’ll get in touch.