PolyOne Begins 3D Printing Materials Research Project

USA-based specialist polymer compounder and distributor PolyOne has begun a three-year collaboration project with university researchers and industry experts to develop advanced materials and production parts using 3D printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing.

The project is made possible thanks to a US$3 mn grant from a technology funding initiative, The Ohio Third Frontier, paid to the University of Dayton Research Institute, part of the University of Dayton in Ohio, USA. As a result, the university will collaborate with PolyOne and other companies to develop and produce polymer formulations. Initially the research will be used in specialty applications for the aerospace and automotive industry, although the step into materials for 3D printing by PolyOne is significant for all sectors, including medical. Other participants in the project include the US companies GE Aviation, an aircraft component manufacturer, rapid prototyping bureau Rapid Prototype & Manufacturing (RP+M) and 3D prototyping equipment manufacturer Stratasys.

“We are honoured to be part of this collaborative project and provide our formulation expertise to develop these specialty applications,” said Dr Christopher Murphy, vice president, research and development, and chief innovation officer at PolyOne Corporation. He added: “We look forward to working with the other project participants in Ohio to bring these new innovations to market.”