3D Printing Suppliers Announce Partnership in Filament Production

The industrial additive manufacturer Essentium announced a partnership with 3D-Fuel, a manufacturer of filament for 3D printing. The partnership is aimed at simplifying the procurement process for customers in the 3D printing industry, by enabling access to a comprehensive range of filaments through a single provider.

3D-Fuel’s production will be consolidated to Essentium’s Texas facilities for the North American market. Customers will have access to a comprehensive filament product portfolio.

3D-Fuel has an existing relationship with NatureWorks, a manufacturer of  polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers derived from renewable resources. This collaboration will further enhance the production of functional 3D printing materials using plant-based inputs.

In addition to the existing portfolio of filament lines and extensive color options, 3D-Fuel will introduce new products to their portfolio, enabled by Essentium's expertise in fiber reinforcement, multi-layer filament extrusion, and other innovative material capabilities. Plans include developing a new spool design to enhance compatibility with various 3D printing systems, improve shipping efficiency, and reduce plastic waste. Products resulting from this collaboration will be branded as "3D-Fuel powered by Essentium."

“Our partnership is not only about collaboration but accelerating 3D printing adoption and innovation, this coming together will also ensure that customers can use additive manufacturing to bolster their supply chain and manufacturing processes with the highest quality, American-made printing materials,” said Ryan Vano, VP of filament production at Essentium.