Performance materials and chemicals firm Arkema is making an investment in the US-based developer of Continuous Fiber 3D Printing technology (CF3D), Continuous Composites, to expand development of additive manufacturing composite manufacturing, a company release announced Monday.

Continuous Composites offers a complete solution for composite manufacturing, including software, hardware, materials, and motion platforms. The CF3D system is unique in that it uses high-performance thermosets resins to design and produce composites.

“We are delighted to strengthen our strategic partnership with Continuous Composites, which has an agile, reliable team with a very strong entrepreneurial spirit,” said Sumeet Jain, senior worldwide director of 3D Printing Solutions for Arkema, in a statement. “Our investment is a testament to our belief in the market opportunity of CF3D. This collaboration will accelerate the development of innovative materials and disruptive manufacturing technology.”

The two companies signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) in September 2019 to collaborate on the development of N3xtDimension photocurable resins for the CF3D process. Through the partnership, Arkema and Continuous Composites ha e produced customized and large-scale composite parts for use in a range of applications, including automotive, aeronautics, and energy.

“Our team diligently laid the foundation of our business and strategic relationships so when we enter the market, we have all the building blocks in place. Arkema’s JDA and strategic investment demonstrates our commitment to bringing an exponential growth cure to various industries,” Tyler Alvarado, chief executive officer and co-founder of Continuous Composites, said in the release. “We are enabling more innovation through our alliance with Arkema’s 60 years of material science expertise and our dedicated R&D capabilities.”

Earlier this week, Powder & Bulk Solids reported that Arkema plans to purchase Fixatti, a manufacturer of thermobonding adhesive powders. The transaction will support Arkema’s Bostik business in expanding its global portfolio of hotmelt adhesive solutions for niche industrial applications in the construction, technical coating, battery, automotive, and textile printing markets.