Asahi Kasei, a leading resin and compounding technology provider, has initiated the sales of 3D printing (3DP) filaments in North America through Asahi Kasei Plastics North America (APNA). The soft launch commences with filaments from the modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE) resin product line, XYRON, and will later extend to the Thermylene polypropylene (PP) group.

Todd Glogovsky, President and Chief Operating Officer at APNA, emphasised Asahi Kasei's track record as a technology leader and expressed enthusiasm for the rapid growth in 3D printing. The company aims to meet the diverse needs of hobbyists and OEMs by developing and enhancing their filament products.

APNA has outlined two key objectives in the 3DP sector. Firstly, they plan to establish a strong presence in the North American market with XYRON filaments, renowned for their printability, heat resistance, electrical insulation, and impact strength. Subsequently, they will introduce Thermylene filaments, offering high tensile strength, chemical resistance, creep resistance, and elevated temperature performance. Alongside this product expansion, APNA is committed to providing exceptional customer support through advanced resources, including computer-aided engineering (CAE) services.

Nihir Bhuva, Strategic Business Director for APNA, highlighted the opportunity to leverage their award-winning product portfolio for new markets and applications. APNA intends to offer partners design and simulation services through CAE, demonstrating their dedication to supporting clients from concept to execution stages.

To enhance their CAE services in the 3DP sector, Asahi Kasei Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) invested in CASTOR Technologies Ltd., an Israeli startup specialising in 3DP technologies, in May 2023. This strategic investment enables Asahi Kasei to develop a unique 3D printing software tailored to consumers' specific needs. Collaborating with CASTOR, Asahi Kasei is exploring advanced simulation automation techniques to enhance their services further.

Glogovsky affirmed their commitment to delivering superior quality and reliability to customers. With the integration of CASTOR?s expertise, Asahi Kasei aims to excel in CAE services, marking an exciting period as they venture into the burgeoning 3D printing industry and demonstrate their leadership through successful partnerships.

Source: indianchemicalnews.com