Fortify and DSM partner to develop high-performance composite materials for 3D printing

Fortify (Boston, Mass., U.S.) and DSM (Geleen, Netherlands) recently announced that they will develop high-performance composite materials for 3D printing of structural parts.

The partnership combines Fortify’s Digital Composite Manufacturing (DCM) platform and fiber processing expertise with DSM’s application knowledge in 3D printing resin and formulation development. Together they will develop high-performance composite materials to be distributed through Fortify hardware. The materials, which are said to bring strong mechanical and temperature properties to 3D-printed parts, are reportedly suited for a variety of applications in markets such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, rapid tooling, and jigs and fixtures.

According to DSM, Fortify’s expertise on hardware and fiber processing will bring immediate increases in the mechanical properties of DSM’s resin by leveraging DCM. In addition, Fortify and the DCM platform will become a distribution channel for DSM’s 3D printing materials.

“At DSM Additive Manufacturing, we believe that collaborating with industry partners is key to advance the industry,” says Hugo da Silva, VP of additive manufacturing at DSM. “Partnering with Fortify allows us to develop high-performance composite materials for DLP technology, making the technology viable for functional parts in demanding applications.”

“DSM is an ideal partner for us,” says Josh Martin, CEO of Fortify. “Our collaboration allows us to leverage DSM’s mature supply chain and years of experience developing advanced materials to expand our resin palette. We’re excited to partner with an industry leader and work with them to develop cutting-edge resins.”

According to DSM, most 3D printing platforms are closed, limiting the use of resins to those that are produced by the 3D printer company itself. With the Fortify Fiber Platform, Fortify is inviting materials suppliers to develop high-performance resins in conjunction with Fortify material scientists and engineers. Partners can properly harness the power of composites without having to build out the in-house expertise that Fortify provides.

“We don’t want to limit our customers’ ability for growth and exploration within additive,” said Karlo Delos Reyes, VP of business development at Fortify. “We guarantee our customers flexibility by embracing open innovation.”