07-23-2019: BASF Forward AM introduced Ultrafuse316L – the first metal filament for desktop FDM/FFF 3Dprinters
The first distributors were IGO3D GmbH, MatterHackers, Inc., and UltiMaker.
On July 23, 2019, BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH announced the launch of Ultrafuse 316L – a groundbreaking filament dedicated to desktop FDM/FFF 3D printers. With Ultrafuse 316L, metal additive manufacturing (Metal AM) technology became accessible to a broader group of users. The first distributors were IGO3D GmbH, MatterHackers, Inc., and Ultimaker. Shortly thereafter, the material was incorporated into the offerings of other 3D printer manufacturers such as Raise3D, PrusaResearch, 3DGence, and BCN3D.
Ultrafuse 316L comes in the form of traditional filament for desktop FDM/FFF 3D printers. It is available in two standard diameters: 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm. The spool weighs 3 kg, with a significantly lower meter count than traditional thermoplastics. The 1.75 mm filament spool contains 250 meters, while the 2.85 mm filament spool contains 100 meters. The material prints at a temperature range of 230-250°C, with the print bed heated to 90-120°C.
The 3D printing technique with Ultrafuse 316L is identical to that of other filaments – the material is heated in the nozzle and deposited onto the build plate layer by layer. The polymer acts as a binder and comes in two stages – green (primary binder) and brown (secondary binder).
Most of the polymer – the "green" binder – is removed catalytically, resulting in a "brown" part composed of pure metal particles and polymer residues. In a subsequent sintering process, which occurs at a temperature just below the metal's melting point, the remaining secondary binder is removed, and the metal particles fuse together. The material reaches its final hardness and strength.
BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH (B3DPS) underwent significant structural changes and rebranding, resulting in the creation of the Forward AM brand, which recently became an independent company from BASF. B3DPS was established as a unit within BASF New Business GmbH. The company focused on developing and delivering advanced materials and solutions for 3D printing, encompassing FDM, SLS, SLA, and other technologies.
It quickly became one of the leading suppliers of 3D printing materials. To better reflect its market position and ambitions in the field of 3D printing, B3DPS underwent rebranding and transformed into the Forward AM brand.