German company begins metal 3D printing

German-based global specialty chemical leader Altana has expanded its pigment, powder, paste and pellet expertise to the 3D metal printing world with the acquisition of TLS Technik GmbH.

Altana, headquartered in Wesel, Germany, has roughly 47 production facilities and 65 service and research laboratories worldwide, which allows them to offer its innovative, and environmentally compatible solutions for coating manufacturers – such as paint and plastic processors; printing and packaging industries; the cosmetics sector, as well as the electrical and electronics industry.

The company's products include additives, special coatings and adhesives, effect pigments, sealants and compounds, impregnating resins and varnishes, and testing and measuring instruments.

With the added skillset of TLS Technik, the 3D metal printing capabilities of Altana's Eckert division is positioned to soar to new heights.

"TLS's expertise in the manufacture of metal powders and alloys for metallic 3D printing supplements the strengths of Eckart as an experienced specialist in the atomization of metals," said Wolfgang Shütt, president of Altana's Eckart division. "With the acquisition, we are expanding our business with functional applications and positioning ourselves in a technological market of the future."

Also based in Germany, TLS has more than 25 years of experience and is one of the leading international specialists in the production of high-quality metal powders for industrial 3D printing.

Initially focused on titanium, aluminum and copper powders, future 3D printing activities will also incorporate alloy development, including A20X, a patented aluminum-copper alloy that includes magnesium, silver and titanium diboride ceramic particles for strength. Altana obtained the A20X formula through the recent acquisition of United Kingdom-based Aluminium Materials Technologies Ltd.

The latest merger also includes the production facility in Bitterfeld, where TLS is established with some 40 employees.

"We are delighted to welcome our new colleagues. Together, we will offer our existing and future customers high-quality solutions for metal-based 3D printing, from the development phase to industrial application," said Harald Weiss, managing director of the newly established Eckart TLS GmbH.

Bitterfeld, Germany will also now house the location of Eckarts TLS GmbH center of excellence for metal-based 3D printing. Eckart plans for its future, to drive optimization and development of metal powders, from aluminum to zirconium alloys, for 3D printing from the new location together with the TLS and AMT experts.

In addition, metal powders for coating processes and other powder applications will be produced at the center.