First PA6-12T Material For Laser Sintering 3D Printing Launched As A Result Of Partnership Between A. Schulman and Prodways

AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 14, 2017 -- A. Schulman Inc. (Nasdaq-GS:SHLM), a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds announces the launch of the first PA6-12T plastic material for 3D printing using selective laser sintering. This new glass filed material is launched by Prodways, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of industrial 3D printers, and is the result of an exclusive partnership between the two companies.

In November 2016, A. Schulman and Prodways announced the signature of an exclusive strategic partnership. Less than 12 months after this announcement, the collaboration between A. Schulman’s and Prodways’ R&D teams has led to the launch of PA612-GB 3800, the first PA6-12T plastic powder on the 3D printing laser sintering market. Through this launch, Prodways and A. Schulman open up new possibilities for the 3D printing of high performance plastic parts that are usually made of injected plastic or metal, in particular for the aviation, automotive and rail industries.

PA6-12T is a plastic material that is used with conventional plastic processing techniques to produce parts that require rigidity, impact resistance and a capacity to withstand high temperatures. PA612T is also characterized by its low sensitivity to moisture absorption, allowing it to maintain its mechanical properties in humid conditions. Using the new PA612-GB 3800 powder, it is now possible to 3D printed plastic parts that can deliver high performance mechanical properties, even with complex geometrical structures such as fuel circuits or pump bodies. Such structures are difficult, or impossible to produce with conventional injection techniques.

Thanks to its unique mechanical properties, when used for high performance parts, PA612-GB 3800 can replace machined metal by printing lighter and more effective plastic parts with an optimized design - such as casings, the top parts of motors or ballast systems.

In a laser sintering market which is currently dominated by materials specific to fast prototyping, the new PA612-GB 3800 powder will make it possible to increase the use of 3D printing for the production of small and medium final parts.  This launch is the first major milestone in Prodways’ and A. Schulman’s partnership for the development of innovative plastic parts which are compatible with all laser sintering systems on the market. It also opens up the path to the development of other new high-performance materials for industrial applications.

About A. Schulman, Inc.
A. Schulman, Inc. is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds, composites and resins headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Since 1928, the Company has been providing innovative solutions to meet its customers' demanding requirements. The Company's customers span a wide range of markets such as packaging, mobility, building & construction, electronics & electrical, agriculture, personal care & hygiene, sports, leisure & home, custom services and others. The Company employs approximately 4,900 people and has 54 manufacturing facilities globally. A. Schulman reported net sales of approximately $2.5 billion for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.  Additional information about A. Schulman can be found at www.aschulman.com.

About PRODWAYS TECHNOLOGIES
PRODWAYS TECHNOLOGIES is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of industrial 3D printers, offering a broad spectrum of multi-technology 3D printing systems and related premium materials. The company focuses on developing rapid manufacturing applications as well as supporting innovation with an open material strategy. PRODWAYS TECHNOLOGIES caters to a large number of different industries, including health, aerospace, and automotive, providing innovative companies the means to shift to 3D printing-based production. PRODWAYS TECHNOLOGIES is a subsidiary of PRODWAYS GROUP. In 2016, the group generated revenue of €25.2 million, including 58% outside of France. For further information: www.prodways.com 

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Contact information:
Media in Europe:
Jasmin Bisch
Communications Manager EMEA
Schulman International Services BVBA
B-1840 Londerzeel
Belgium
Tel: +32 (0)52 750 576
Email: [email protected]

Media and Investors in United States
Jennifer K. Beeman
Vice President, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
A. Schulman, Inc.
3637 Ridgewood Road
Fairlawn, OH 44333
United States
Tel: +1 330-666-3751
Email: [email protected]