Braskem to Expand 3D Printing Material Portfolio Through taulman3D Acquisition

When it comes to additive manufacturing, materials are key to getting parts with the desired properties. It should thus come as no surprise that the material 3D printing market has been developing rapidly over the past few years, with many large chemical companies also moving into the sector. One example is Braskem, the largest petrochemical company in Latin America. Building upon their existing portfolio, Braskem announced recently its acquisition of taulman3D, showing its intention to move even further into industrial 3D printing materials.

For those who may not know, taulman3D is an American filament producer known for its creation of high-strength filaments and advanced thermoplastics for AM. The company is one of the leading producers of carbon fiber composite filaments. In 2021, they were even awarded a NATO Stock Number (known as a National Stock Number or NSN in the USA). This numeric code is used by the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) military alliance, an intergovernmental military alliance with 30 member states including the USA, UK and France, to identify “standardized material items of supply” recognized by all member states. Essentially, this means that taulman3D’s 3D printing materials meet the necessary standards to be used to supply U.S. and NATO forces. The company also was chosen to manage a 3D printing lab at Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane.

taulman3D is a leading producer of carbon fiber filaments

Braskem Highlights the Importance of Industrial 3D Printing Materials

Meanwhile, Braskem’s acquisition of the company is a sign of its continued interest in the 3D printing sector. Notably, because they will be vastly expanding their own 3D printing material portfolio. Currently the company offers solutions for FFF, SLS and high-speed pellet extrusion, notably polypropylene, polyethylene, recycled and bio-based AM materials. They also have carbon-fiber and glass-fiber PP filaments. Through taulman3D these offerings will not only more than double, but Braskem will also be able to establish a stronger foothold in the industrial 3D printing material market. Currently the company offers Carbon Fiber Alloy Nylon, Glass Fiber Alloy Nylon, PA Cast Plate Nylon, and Medical and FDA grade Nylon, among others.