BASF Forward AM management takes over BASF AM activities | VoxelMatters

Culminating years of building up separate business segments in additive manufacturing, the new Forward AM Technologies – also known as just Forward AM – will consolidate all of BASF’s additive manufacturing-related activities (including services provided under the Sculpteo brand) into one company owned by the current BASF Forward AM management (led by CEO Martin Back) via a full MBO (Management-Buy-Out).

BASF entered the AM market initially as BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH, which was part of the BASF New Business division. The company began introducing polymer 3D printing filaments under the Ultrafuse brand to eventually expand its range of materials to include polymer powders for polymer PBF (first laser then also thermal) and resins for VAT photopolymerization processes. Powders included low-melting polyamide 6 (PA6 LM X085) for standard machines marketed under the Ultrasint brand. In 2019 BASF acquired the French 3D printing service provider Sculpteo and developed the existing Sculpteo 3D printing platform further into a global network.

Around the same time, BASF New Business GmbH, BASF 3D Printing Solutions (B3DPS) rebranded as Forward AM and further expanded its product offerings ahead of the Formnext trade show. Since then BASF Forward AM has continued to register growth and financial success, launching several new products including new powders for PBF and powders for MJF (developed via the acquisition of Advanc3d materials), resins for Photocentric’s high-productivity LCD technology and bound metal filaments under the Ultrafuse brand.

Now the management led by CEO Martin Back who has led BASF through this rapid growth is taking over the company – with support from BASF – to establish Forward AM Technologies as a stand-alone company that includes all of BASF’s AM-related products and services, making it one of a few global independent full AM portfolio providers. Also known as Forward AM, the new company unites BASF’s materials and solutions business with a service offering, enhancing innovation, speed-to-market and customer-centric solutions, and a strong focus on cross-industry partnerships. All solutions and services will thus continue to be provided to the company’s existing customer base across the globe.

“I would like to express my gratitude to BASF for all their support during the MBO (Management-Buy-Out) process. By working together, we could ensure that our team of experts and the innovative tools currently in place can continue to provide leading AM solutions to the manufacturing industry in times of volatility. The team at Forward AM is truly passionate about shaping the future of manufacturing and all the exciting opportunities to build and grow within this innovative AM community. “I’m looking forward to this empowering journey ahead,” said Martin Back, CEO at Forward AM.

Recent strong performance along with a consistent 30% annual growth rate over the past two years showcases the market’s confidence in Forward AM’s materials and AM technologies. This growth stands at more than double the industry average and highlights the effectiveness of the strategic direction that Forward AM takes to drive continued expansion and innovative products. Rooted in BASF’s 160-year heritage of excellence, the company is centrally positioned as the only global independent full AM portfolio provider. It will retain control over intellectual property and with its strong supply chain, the company expects to meet future demands and fulfill all contractual obligations without disruption.

During the transaction, BASF provided strong support to enable the formation of an independent company which is set up for success, while also saving jobs along with all the advanced technologies developed by the team at Forward AM. “It is a very exciting time to be part of the AM industry. Building on excellence in materials, services, and solutions, we’re going to continue to drive innovation through our work and collaborative efforts with our partners,” addd Back. “We know the manufacturing sector faces growing volatility and uncertainty, creating a demand for more resilient and sustainable materials and agile solutions. Forward AM is here to deliver on that demand head-on. This new venture emphasizes our continued commitment and dedication to providing expedient and robust AM solutions, focusing on the success of our customers and partners. Together, we are proving that AM technologies are integral to the future of manufacturing. Together, we will keep moving forward.”