Wacker opens US silicone 3D printing centre

Ann Arbor, Michigan – Building on the success of its Aceo Open Print Lab in Burghausen, Germany, Wacker Chemie AG has brought its 3D silicone printing technology to the US.

The German firm opened its Aceo Open Print Lab at its Silicone R&D facility in Ann Arbor 25 March, Wacker said in a news release.

The lab will feature two 3D printers that can produce a range of silicone rubbers with varying Shore A hardness and a variety of colours.

Combined with Aceo's additive manufacturing technology, the lab will offer product designs and geometric shapes for quick prototyping, Wacker said.

Additionally, the lab will provide customers with solutions for serial manufacturing or the production of replacement parts.

"Our business partners in the region want to understand how their ideas and products can be brought to market with our support," Ian Moore, VP at Wacker Silicones.

The new Open Print Lab, he added, will help the company “significantly expand” its local portfolio and meet the growing demand in the market.

Lab manager Sarah Burke, who previously worked at the Silicone R&D center in applications of construction and consumer care, will oversee the new open print lab.