Energy and chemicals company Repsol (Madrid / Spain; www.repsol.com) has acquired a 17% interest in Recreus (Alicante; www.recreus.com), a Spanish company that produces and markets flexible and rigid polymer filaments for 3D printing. It manufactures the flexible filament brand “Filaflex”.

With Repsol's collaboration, Recreus plans to accelerate its R&D activities, strengthen its position in the market and boost its medium- and long-term expansion plans. The company’s expertise of advanced solutions for 3D printing has made it one of the market leaders, according to Repsol. Recreus is currently working with companies in advanced orthopedics and textiles to develop materials and printing processes specific to their markets.

Repsol is also developing modified polymers to be used as raw material in various 3D printing technologies. This forms part of its innovation and technology programmes.