3D foam

Last year, we launched an exciting joint project with the working group Bliedtner at the Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule in Jena and kcd Kunststoffe, Additive und Beratung GmbH. The aim of our project is to use additive technologies (3D printing) to produce components in a highly flexible, cost- and material-efficient manner. The innovative approach of a large-volume melt layer based on foamable granulates is to be used here. By developing a new material formulation, foam structures are to be additively manufactured for the first time.

Packaging in small batch sizes could be produced individually, monolithically and true to shape using this innovative process, while at the same time reducing the amount of scrap material. The development and mapping of a holistic process chain should enable the quality-assured production of customized geometries and expand the expertise of the companies involved.

In future, this new type of foam padding production should make it possible to manufacture foam parts for pre-series and three-dimensional packaging paddings in shortest possible time in order to test their functionality and carry out optimizations without having to use cost-intensive tools.

Project duration: 1 July 2023 - 30 June 2026

Project funding: The project, which is funded by the Free State of Thuringia, is co-financed by the European Union as part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).