Evonik Opens State‑of‑the‑Art 3D Printing Center in Austin to Advance Structured Polymer Technologies

The new technology center for 3D printing.

Evonik has inaugurated a state‑of‑the‑art 3D‑printing technology hub in Austin, Texas. The U.S. facility will play a pivotal role in developing ready‑to‑use powders for powder‑bed fusion, leveraging the company’s Structured Polymers technology.

The Center for Structured Polymers Technology comprises an application‑technology laboratory equipped with 3D printers and a dedicated processing zone, a research and development lab, production suites, and accompanying office and meeting spaces. The complex incorporates advanced ventilation systems, adheres to the highest safety standards, and meets current workplace ergonomics guidelines.

“By expanding our North American capabilities, we are sending a clear message to our regional partners that we can now support them with new technological opportunities in material development right in their own backyard,” says Vikram Devarajan, managing director of the Austin 3D‑printing technology center.

In January 2019, Evonik acquired Structured Polymers Inc., a U.S. startup focused on 3D‑printing materials, after having invested in the company two years earlier through its venture‑capital unit. The acquisition granted Evonik access to a patented process that transforms polymer granulate into high‑quality powder suitable for additive manufacturing.

Following the acquisition, Evonik introduced its first ready‑to‑use powders in late 2019: two thermoplastic elastomers based on copolyesters for powder‑based 3D‑printing technologies. Both products deliver high elasticity and flexibility while maintaining resilience, toughness, and surface quality after printing. They are available in white or black, depending on the application.

“The new technology center continues the success story of Structured Polymers under the Evonik umbrella. We have now established the framework to bring advanced 3D‑printable polymer powders to market,” says Thomas Größe‑Puppendahl, head of the additive manufacturing innovation growth field at Evonik.