MANSUS x AMGTA Mini-Series Episode 5, Pierre Gonnetan & Krysten Minnici, Arkema
The MANSUS x AMGTA mini-series continues to explore the solutions, stories and potential of additive manufacturing (AM). In episode 5 we hear from Arkema where Pierre Gonnetan, Global Business Manager - 3D Printing and Krysten Minnici, Business Development - 3D Printing share their insights into the company’s approach to sustainability and their latest material developments.
You can catch up with previous episodes in this series including episode 1 where Sherri Monroe, Executive Director of AMGTA set the stage with an overview of AM and sustainability.
Arkema, a global leader in specialty materials, continues to drive innovation in additive manufacturing with its latest advancements in sustainable polymer solutions. With a global workforce of 20,000 and an annual turnover of approximately $10 billion, the French company is a key player in the development of materials for 3D printing technologies.
Comprehensive Solutions for Additive Manufacturing
Arkema provides materials for the three main categories of 3D printing technologies:
UV resins for photocure processes, powders for powder bed fusion, and granules for material extrusion. The company’s focus on sustainability is twofold: reducing customers' carbon emissions and minimizing material usage in additive manufacturing.
At Formnext 2024 Arkema announced the introduction of Orgasol PA12 powder for powder bed fusion technologies. One of the major challenges in this process is cost per part, with material recyclability playing a crucial role in cost reduction. Pierre highlighted the efficiency of Arkema’s new PA12 powder:
“With the new PA12 powder from Arkema, you're able to reuse up to 90% of the initial powder that you've put inside your job, which means reducing the valuable cost related to materials by up to 50%, depending on the technology and the nesting of your job.”
In addition to cost savings and waste reduction, Arkema emphasizes the superior aesthetics of its powders. The new Orgasol PA12 offers a highly spherical shape and specific particle size distribution, enhancing surface quality and overall part appearance.
Reducing Carbon Footprint with PA11
Arkema is the largest industrial supplier of Polyamide 11 (PA11), a bio-based polymer derived from castor beans. Krysten told us that the company recently announced a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of its global PA11 production, now at 1.3 kg CO2 equivalent per kilogram.
Krysten explained the key factors behind this reduction: “We’ve been able to do this by first having a bio-based polymer that comes from castor beans, by having renewable energy sources, and then by also making our processes more efficient.”
As demand for sustainable materials in 3D printing increases, Arkema’s advancements ensure manufacturers have access to lower-carbon alternatives. The company is also addressing end-of-life concerns for PA11 and PA12 powders and parts through its Virtucycle program. This initiative collects, analyzes, and repurposes used powders into new granules for applications such as injection molding in industries like automotive.
Real-World Applications Showcasing Sustainability
Arkema’s high-performance materials are already making an impact in real-world applications. One example is a Canyon bicycle computer mount, developed in collaboration with Forward AM. The part, initially designed for injection molding, was redesigned for additive manufacturing using Ultrasint PA11 Carbon Fiber, resulting in a 50% weight reduction.
“This shows that design for additive manufacturing, combined with high-performance bio-based materials, can provide innovative solutions with tangible benefits for end users in sectors like biking, aerospace, and automotive,” Pierre said.
Another example is a covering part developed by HP using Arkema’s Orgasol PA12 powders. This part is shown in the video at the top of this page. “You can see… the very smooth surface, the high aesthetic, and the perfect finishing of the part while bringing cost reductions in terms of total cost of ownership for manufacturers,” Pierre added.
Industry Collaboration
Arkema is committed to sustainability at a global level and is one of the few chemical companies to receive validation from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) for its decarbonization roadmap. The company recognizes that achieving sustainability in additive manufacturing requires collaboration across the industry.
“Sustainability is really hard to tackle alone, and being part of a broader organization like AMGTA gives us a space to talk to other like-minded companies in additive manufacturing and really figure out together how to tackle these challenges,” Krysten said.
Arkema works closely with machine manufacturers, service bureaus, and material formulators to ensure sustainability is prioritized at every step of the value chain. Industry groups such as AMGTA are also playing a critical role in standardizing carbon emission calculations across different additive manufacturing processes.
The Role of Digital Platforms in AM
To help manufacturers navigate the complex additive manufacturing ecosystem, Arkema has launched the Easy3D digital platform. This online tool allows users to input their specific mechanical performance, chemical resistance, and production volume requirements to receive tailored material recommendations. The platform also connects users with manufacturing partners for quoting and production services.
“We are trying to address this issue for AM users and beginners, helping them navigate the ecosystem of materials and technologies,” Pierre explained. “It’s really a journey from A to Z so that the user can start with a design file and get a final part.”
As additive manufacturing continues to expand into new industries, Arkema remains committed to advancing sustainability, enhancing material performance, and fostering industry-wide collaboration to drive the future of 3D printing.
At MANSUS, we’re thrilled to amplify these critical conversations in collaboration with AMGTA to share how their members are pushing the boundaries of sustainable innovation. You can watch previous episodes and follow the series on the MANSUS YouTube channel and on the AMGTA Learn & Discovery Page new episodes will be shared every Wednesday through March 5th.
