Henkel and Fortify partner to develop 3D printed injection molding tools

Henkel and Fortify announced a new collaboration to enable high-performance applications in 3D printing. The two companies will be partnering to find innovative solutions for injection mold tooling, prototyping and low volume production. Fortify is well known in the 3D printing industry for its patented DCM (Digital Composite Manufacturing) platform that can produce high-resolution custom composite parts. Through this partnership, the German chemical group has developed custom technology to create durable, high-temperature, high-modulus resins for Fortify’s platform.

Composite 3D printing is gaining momentum, especially for industrial applications. Fiber-reinforced polymers can produce strong yet lightweight parts that showcase high performance. In fact, Henkel claims that injection molded parts that are reinforced with fibers typically show 20 to 100% increases in strength, stiffness and heat deflection temperature (HDT) – definitely interesting for the industry. Joshua Martin, CEO and Co-Founder of Fortify adds: “The Fortify platform enables our customers to leverage materials that weren’t conceivable, yet alone practical on other platforms. With Henkel’s assistance, we are pushing this technology forward and solving the customer problems we expected as well as discovering exciting new opportunities.”

A 3D printed tool by Fortify which is used to mold an automotive part

Generating more industrial applications

3D printed injection mold tools are one application where Fortify is focusing in its partnership with Henkel. By replacing traditional metal tooling with inserts that are 3D printed, molders can cut weeks or months out of their schedules while saving a significant amount of costs. While this application has been pursued by others, the step change in performance from reinforced material is the key to success in demanding applications.