07-28-2017: BASF established new company to pursue business opportunities in 3D printing

The company later became Forward AM

On July 28, 2017, BASF announced plan to establish a new group company – the BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH. The operating date was set up as of September 1, 2017. The wholly-owned subsidiary was headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, at the site of InnovationLab GmbH. In 2019, the company was transformed into Forward AM, and in July 2024 it separated from BASF, creating an independent entity.

The goal of BASF 3D Printing Solutions was to focus on establishing and expanding the business with materials, system solutions, components and services in the field of 3D printing. The company cooperated closely with researchers and application engineers from BASF and external partners, such as universities and potential customers, in order to develop the right solutions for a wide array of requirements.

In mid-August 2017, BASF New Business GmbH acquired all shares in the Dutch 3D filament manufacturer Innofil3D, expanding the company's portfolio with thermoplastic filaments for 3D printing. Innofil3D became the central FFF development and production platform for BASF. In 2020, the company acquired the French services company Sculpteo.

July 3, 2024 Martin Back - the CEO and Managing Director, acquired BASF's Additive Manufacturing business, forming Forward AM Technologies.