Cologne – LANXESS’ Urethane Systems business unit (URE) decided to prolong and extend its collaboration with the Center for UMass/Industry Research on Polymers (CUMIRP) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA. From October 2018 onwards URE will additionally participate in Research Cluster M on Mechanics & Advanced Manufacturing of Polymers and Composites.

One of the cluster research areas is additive manufacturing technology innovation and next-generation 3D printing formulations. The focus in these efforts is to generate resins that have superior interfacial strength and enhanced sintering or reaction kinetics. Additive manufacturing is in the strategic focus of LANXESS Urethane Systems.

The CUMIRP Cluster M mainly works on understanding structure-process-property relationships of next-generation materials together with the development of new process methods or additives that simultaneously improve processability, and engineering properties. In the last few years the cluster has focused on applying this know-how to development of novel materials for additive manufacturing. “By joining this cluster, we will have access to the most recent technological developments in the field of 3D printing and additive manufacturing as well as to unique testing equipment targeted to screen materials for additive manufacturing and be part of a broader industrial community in this field,” says Dr. Polina Ware, head of Global Research and Development at URE. “Further, this collaboration will strengthen LANXESS’ relationship with UMass overall and help us in the long run to attract top talents.”

LANXESS expects cost savings from the collaboration through sophisticated, highly efficient solutions as well as benefits in business competition by using progressive technologies and the recruiting of qualified specialists. Furthermore, access to other companies who could be potential partners and/or customers will be provided.