09.19.18
Munich-based chemical group WACKER is currently expanding its ACEO3D printing services for silicone rubber and plans to open a U.S.-based printing lab later this year.
The facility, which will be located at WACKER’s R&D center for silicones in Ann Arbor, MI, is the company’s first regional 3D printing lab outside of Germany. Complementing the ACEOCampus in Burghausen, Germany, the lab will serve the growing demand for additive manufacturing solutions in North America. WACKER has earmarked a single digit million US-Dollar amount for the investment.
The new lab will be equipped with two 3D printers, each of which will be able to process a broad range of silicone rubber with different Shore A hardnesses and in varying colors, including special media resistant FVMQ grades. ACEO’s unique additive manufacturing technology for silicone elastomers enables unprecedented product designs and complex geometries for rapid prototyping purposes as well as serial manufacturing and cost-efficient production of replacement parts.
“With our new lab, prospective partners will obtain local access to the compelling possibilities of 3D printing with liquid silicone rubber,” said Bernd Pachaly, head of the ACEO3D printing project at WACKER.
While ACEO will continue to produce and deliver printed silicone components from its production facility in Burghausen, Germany, the new lab in Ann Arbor will offer technical service and advice to partners and customers throughout North America, thus providing local hands-on experience with WACKER’s unique 3D printing technology.
“Right from the start, we will be engaged in projects involving medical devices and components needed for health care, transportation, aerospace, and electronics, all of which are key industry segments, particularly for silicone-based products,” Pachaly said.
“Our Innovation Center is focused on developing advanced and forward-looking solutions that support regional trends which can be quickly brought to market. Our team of scientists and highly specialized experts in the field of silicones and 3D printing will be able to offer our business partners valuable technical cooperation and services,” said Ian Moore, VP WACKER SILICONES at Wacker Chemical Corporation in Adrian, MI.
The facility, which will be located at WACKER’s R&D center for silicones in Ann Arbor, MI, is the company’s first regional 3D printing lab outside of Germany. Complementing the ACEOCampus in Burghausen, Germany, the lab will serve the growing demand for additive manufacturing solutions in North America. WACKER has earmarked a single digit million US-Dollar amount for the investment.
The new lab will be equipped with two 3D printers, each of which will be able to process a broad range of silicone rubber with different Shore A hardnesses and in varying colors, including special media resistant FVMQ grades. ACEO’s unique additive manufacturing technology for silicone elastomers enables unprecedented product designs and complex geometries for rapid prototyping purposes as well as serial manufacturing and cost-efficient production of replacement parts.
“With our new lab, prospective partners will obtain local access to the compelling possibilities of 3D printing with liquid silicone rubber,” said Bernd Pachaly, head of the ACEO3D printing project at WACKER.
While ACEO will continue to produce and deliver printed silicone components from its production facility in Burghausen, Germany, the new lab in Ann Arbor will offer technical service and advice to partners and customers throughout North America, thus providing local hands-on experience with WACKER’s unique 3D printing technology.
“Right from the start, we will be engaged in projects involving medical devices and components needed for health care, transportation, aerospace, and electronics, all of which are key industry segments, particularly for silicone-based products,” Pachaly said.
“Our Innovation Center is focused on developing advanced and forward-looking solutions that support regional trends which can be quickly brought to market. Our team of scientists and highly specialized experts in the field of silicones and 3D printing will be able to offer our business partners valuable technical cooperation and services,” said Ian Moore, VP WACKER SILICONES at Wacker Chemical Corporation in Adrian, MI.