BASF invests in Prismlab
BASF Venture Capital GmbH has invested an undisclosed amount in Prismlab, a Chinese 3D printing OEM.
This cash injection from BASF is set to enable the continued development of this suite of products and expansion into the global 3D printing market. Prismlab has a portfolio of five machines all based on stereolithography (SLA) technology, and all with varying build volume capabilities.
The company’s printing technology is said to increase resolution without compromising on speed. Each pixel in the resin is divided into several smaller sections, which are then cured individually when exposed to LCD light – the energy level input is higher than if the pixel was exposed to light once. The result is the ability to produce larger, stable components, like medical braces for example, or a number of smaller parts at once.
BASF’s Venture Capital business has sought to invest in the company as its 3D Printing Solutions division ramps up its production of materials. This deal has helped to expand the organisation’s offering in this market, and also in the Chinese manufacturing space.
“This is our first direct investment in a Chinese company,” commented Markus Solibieda, Managing Director of BASF Venture Capital GmbH. “This investment supports BASF’s strategy of actively advancing our technologies and expanding our product offering in the 3D printing sector.”
“China is transforming from a manufacturing-driven to an innovation-driven economy,” added Dr. Zheng Daqing, BASF’s Senior Vice President, Business and Market Development Greater China. “This investment in Prismlab reflects our commitment to further expanding our innovation capabilities in China, and BASF Venture Capital plays an important role in helping us identifying potential partners that lead us to success.”
“The 3D printing technology must continue to evolve before it is set to change the world,” offered Mr. Hou Feng, Founder and Chairman of Prismlab. “At Prismlab, we aim to spearhead and accelerate that change by providing solutions through specialised customisation. The investment allows us to stay laser-focused on our R&D capability, a key factor to achieve that goal.”
