Forward AM (www.forward-am.com), part of BASF 3D Printing Solutions (B3DPS, Heidelberg / Germany), has bought Owens Corning’s (Toledo, Ohio / USA; www.owenscorning.com) “Xstrand” line of glass-fibre reinforced filaments for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition includes the brand and key intellectual property but not personnel.

“Xstrand” filaments are made of polyamide 6, polypropylene or polycarbonate and contain 30% glass fibres. Forward AM said the filaments have high rigidity and strength as well as outstanding heat deflection and high durability, making them particularly suitable for challenging 3D printing applications, such as in automotive or household appliances.

“BASF’s capability will enable the further acceleration of ‘Xstrand’ products and support future growth of the composites industry,” said Christopher Skinner, vice president of strategic marketing at Owens Corning. He added that Owens Corning will continue its collaboration with BASF as it transitions “Xstrand” to the German group.

B3DPS launched Forward AM in last November at the “Formnext 2019” (www.formnext.com) 3D printing trade fair held in Frankfurt / Germany. Forward AM combines BASF’s (Ludwigshafen / Germany; www.basf.com) range of advanced materials, system solutions, components and services for additive manufacturing (see Plasteurope.com of 18.11.2019).