Chemical firm BASF and technology company HP are debuting a new polypropylene (PP) additive manufacturing material that was developed for use with HP’s Jet Fusion 5200 3D printer, the companies announced in a joint release Thursday. 

Created by BASF through a strategic alliance with HP, the HP 3D High Reusability PP enables users in the auto, consumer, medical, and industrial manufacturing industries to increase production speed and volumes and cost efficiency in additive manufacturing processes, according to the companies. The new polypropylene product can reduce waste and increase efficiency because 100% of collected surplus powder can be reused. 

“The introduction of PP is another important step as we collaborate on best-in-class materials to transform manufacturing,” said Francois Minec, managing director of BASF 3D Printing Solutions, in a statement. “Our teams have worked closely to develop a high quality, sophisticated PP that fully leverages the advanced capabilities of HP’s Jet Fusion 5200 platform – truly a win-win for innovative companies investing in the shift to digital manufacturing.”

Extol, GKN Powder Metallurgy/Forecast 3D, Henkel, Oechler and Prototal and other companies are working with BASF and HP to create applications for the new PP 3D printing material with HP’s Jet Fusion 5200 system. 

“We have been truly impressed by the joint effort between Forward AM by BASF and HP to help us accelerate our digital manufacturing activities,” said Matthias Weisskopf, senior vice president for research and development for Oechler AG, said in the release. “The introduction of new materials such as PP enables us to quickly and cost effectively design, iterate, and produce innovative new 3D printed parts for customers across industries. We expect a fast ramp up of entirely new applications that leverage the inherent advantages that 3D printing provides for auto makers, home and commercial appliances and the medical industry.”

BASF’s additive manufacturing-focused subsidiary, BASF 3D Printing Solutions, launched its industrial-oriented brand, Forward AM, last November. The German firm and HP have previously collaborated on other additive manufacturing materials, including ULTRASINT TPU01 thermoplastic polyurethane.

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