Smart Molding International 1-2021

3D printing 31 www.smart-molding.com has already been used to print a shoe insole using selective laser sintering (SLS). TPUs generally contribute to in - creased sustainability in powder-based 3D printing processes, as up to 100 percent of the non-sintered powder can be reused in the process due to the low build room temperature. Marketing Manager Katinka Honer - vogt welcomes the portfolio expansion: "With the new products, we are well positioned to meet the ever-increasing demand for sustainable materials for various applications, industries and printing processes. At the same time, the expansion fully reflects Covestro´s strong focus on Circular Economy." The Circular Economy as a global guiding principle With a strategic program, Covestro wants to fully support principles of Cir - cular Economy. In doing so, the company aims to accelerate the change towards circularity, especially in the chemical and plastics industry, and contribute to the goal of a greenhouse gas-neutral economy. The focus is on using alterna - tive raw materials, developing innova - tive and efficient recycling technologies, cross-sector cooperation with partners and the use of renewable energies. Covestro has been active in the devel - opment of rawmaterials frombiomass, CO₂ and waste for several years. The additive manufacturing of plas - tic parts is carried out sustainably and efficiently by automated processes. This manufacturing method generates less waste than conventional produc - tion processes, especially when print - ing more complex structures. Small 3D printers – compared to traditional manufacturing units – allow parts to be produced locally anywhere in the world, saving on transportation costs. On-demand production reduces waste and stock levels. Considering the de - velopment of new materials based on alternative raw materials, additive manufacturing also offers enormous potential for contributing to full recy - clability and closing material cycles in the future. Covestro www.covestro.com With sales of EUR 12.4 billion in 2019, Covestro is among the world’s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used inmany areas of daily life. The main industries served are the automotive, construction, wood pro - cessing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, healthcare and the chemical industry itself. Covestro has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 17,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) as of the end of 2019. To advertise contact marketing@smart-moldi.com www.smart-molding.com • Focuse d on advanced molding technologies • Online 7.600 subscribers • Available free on mobile, tablet and PC • Bonus distribution at major plasƟcs events PR OMOTE YOUR SMART SOLUTIONS F OR PLASTICS MOLDERS WORLDWIDE!