Our Story
Who We Are
At Forward AM, our purpose is to provide 3D printing solutions across the entire Additive Manufacturing value chain. From consultancy and development and innovative design, through digital simulation and prototype printing, to finishing and exhaustive component testing – our AM experts will work to ensure that your project meets your exact needs. Rooted in BASF’s 160-year heritage of excellence, Forward AM is centrally positioned as the only global independent full AM portfolio provider. Whatever material you require for your specific project, we offer the world’s largest selection of 3D printing materials and service solutions.
Forward AM traces its origins to BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH, which was founded by BASF New Business GmbH in 2017. In 2024, BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH was transformed into Forward AM Technologies when Martin Back, the CEO and Managing Director, acquired BASF’s Additive Manufacturing business. Forward AM combines BASF’s materials and solutions with services to boost innovation, speed-to-market, customer focus, and cross-industry partnerships. By retaining all intellectual property, supply chain control and ISO 14001 certification, Forward AM will continue to offer its established products and services to a global customer base.
Forward AM cooperates closely with the global AM community through collaborative partnerships with large companies within industrial and automotive manufacturing as well as the consumer goods and medical industries. Most of our potential customers are companies aiming to utilize 3D printing to increase productivity while decreasing costs within their manufacturing processes.
“I’m excited to work with the whole Forward AM team to build a strong strategy and process foundation for our success. We want to take Forward AM into its next decade as an industry leader, transforming and innovating to be the leading partner for our customers. I’ll ensure that, as a team, we remain motivated and driven to provide our customers with high-quality materials and services to help them achieve their best possible 3D printing application.“
Martin Back, Managing Director, Forward AM Technologies GmbH
Key Milestones in the History of Forward AM
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.
2021
In 2021, Forward AM expanded with two key centers: the Additive Manufacturing Technical Center (AMTC) in Shanghai and the Applications Technology Center (ATC) in Detroit. The AMTC offers advanced 3D printing solutions across the Asia-Pacific, equipped with multiple printers and various technologies. Meanwhile, the Detroit ATC combines Forward AM’s expertise with MSU’s innovation to drive Additive Manufacturing advancements in North America.
2022
Martin Back to Succeed François Minec as Managing Director of BASF 3D Printing Solutions. After three years as Managing Director, François Minec leaves BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH on May 31, 2022. Martin Back, an expert with 25 years of industry experience succeeds him, aiming to drive continued growth in Additive Manufacturing.
2023
BASF Forward AM is stepping into the spotlight with its latest innovation, the Ultrasim® 3D Lattice Engine, set to debut at Rapid. This new tool simplifies lattice generation, making it more accessible than ever before.
BASF Forward AM Announces Continuous High Growth in the First Half of 2023. The company reported a 39% growth for 2023 HY1 and a 51% increase in material business for its continuous portfolio compared to 2022 HY1. Market forecast for the 3D printing industry in 2023 CAGR is 19%.
Through a collaborative effort with the Victoria Hand Project and UltiMaker, BASF Forward AM has delivered high-quality prosthetics to amputees affected by conflict in Ukraine.
2024
BASF Forward AM’s CEO Martin Back acquires BASF’s AM business, forming Forward AM Technologies. Forward AM Technologies combines BASF’s materials and solutions with services to boost innovation, speed-to-market, customer focus, and cross-industry partnerships. Retaining IP and supply chain control, Forward AM will continue offering established products and services to its global customer base.
To be continued...
Lots of exciting news to come.
Are you interested in collaborating with us?
We’re looking forward to hearing from you! Contact us now and we’ll get in touch.