Solvay and 9T Labs Unite to Scale Additive Manufacturing of CFRP Parts

Solvay has teamed up with 9T Labs to accelerate the transition of additively manufactured carbon‑fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) components into mass production. The collaboration brings 9T Labs’ cutting‑edge hybrid manufacturing platform to the aerospace, medical, luxury/leisure, automation, and oil‑and‑gas sectors, enabling the production of low‑ to medium‑volume parts with unmatched design freedom.

Under the partnership, Solvay will develop advanced carbon‑fiber reinforced thermoplastics, including CF/PEEK, CF‑reinforced bio‑based high‑performance polyamides, and CF/PPS. This expands 9T Labs’ portfolio of neat and fiber‑reinforced materials, offering customers a broader selection of high‑performance composites.

9T Labs’ hybrid system fuses 3D printing—providing precise fiber orientation, complex geometries, and rapid prototyping—with compression molding in matched metal dies. The result is a production line that delivers structural parts ranging from 100 to 10,000 units per year, with consistent surface finishes, minimal voids, and high repeatability.

“With 9T Labs’ innovative process and Solvay’s premium thermoplastic materials, we are uniquely positioned to solve long‑standing challenges in advanced composite manufacturing—namely high incremental costs, elevated scrap rates, and the lack of repeatability at scale,” says Marco Apostolo, Director of Technology at Solvay.

Solvay’s deep expertise in thermoplastic composites and production of prepreg tape underpins its ability to engineer seamless integration into existing manufacturing lines, ensuring both performance and sustainability.

“Although metals still dominate structural part fabrication due to cost competitiveness, the Red Series platform combined with Solvay’s recyclable high‑performance materials will shift the balance in favor of CFRP, making it more sustainable, accessible, and cost‑effective at higher volumes,” adds Giovanni Cavolina, co‑founder and Chief Commercial Officer of 9T Labs.