Additive manufacturing is now moving far beyond its original application in prototyping to become an integral part of manufacturers' production lines. However, before it can realize its full potential, there needs to be a wider range of materials that can meet customers' requirements for the reliability, reproducibility and performance of 3D printed parts in industrial environments.

According to a recent independent study commissioned by Essentium, most manufacturers (89%) believe that 3D printing for high-volume production will increase across the manufacturing industry over the next five years. However, 32 percent of respondents believe that further innovation in materials is needed to enable the breakthrough to the next level.

Essentium helps manufacturers to achieve quality, reliability and reproducibility in AM volume production:

• Certification: Essentium certifies its entire material portfolio. A Certificate of Conformance enables traceability of individual coils through the ISO and AS9100 quality process. Essentium works with customers such as the U.S. Air Force to certify materials for consistent, repeatable and reliable parts production.
• Open-source machine: Essentium continues to develop the Essentium High Speed Extrusion (HSE) 3D printing platform. This open-source machine can use any physically compatible material instead of requiring proprietary materials that are typically very expensive. The system uses an open process that offers a high degree of flexibility. Essentium's materials can also be used on any open-source 3D printer.

• Partnership: Essentium's material scientists collaborate with customers and partners in an open ecosystem to develop breakthrough materials that enable unprecedented manufacturing flexibility and economics.

Dr. Blake Teipel, CEO of Essentium, says: "Material innovation is central to the revolutionary transition to large-scale additive manufacturing. Essentium is committed to providing a powerful platform for manufacturers to create true machine-to-material compatibility and help them significantly improve the performance of 3D printed parts and tooling. Through new material innovations, certifications and partnerships with industry leaders, we aim to drive a quantum leap in additive manufacturing that guarantees accuracy and quality, even for complex parts and applications."