Chemical Catalysts and Adsorbents
Sustainability
X3D®

X3D®

X3D®: Discover our commercially proven catalyst shaping technology

With the X3D® technology, BASF extends its proven catalyst production expertise into additive manufacturing. By combining 3D printing with established production know‑how, X3D® enables reliable, scalable, and large‑volume supply for industrial applications. The technology delivers high reactivity, flexible catalyst design, and reduced pressure drop, lowering energy consumption. X3D® catalysts are produced at industrial scale at BASF’s Verbund site in Ludwigshafen, Germany.

BASF starts up the world’s first production plant for 3D-printed catalysts in Ludwigshafen

BASF started up the world’s first production plant for catalysts based on X3D® technology at its Ludwigshafen site. With the commissioning of this facility, BASF is scaling the additive manufacturing of catalysts to an industrial level and strengthening its leading role in innovative solutions for the chemical industry.

Learn more here.

From reactor‑driven catalyst design to measurable efficiency gains in real plants: In April 2026, the X3D® Round Table showed how advanced catalyst shaping is already reducing pressure drop, improving performance, and supporting CO₂ reduction at industrial scale.

Explore now expert insights, presentations, and real‑world customer examples behind this breakthrough in catalyst innovation.

Key Facts

  • Industrial scale production plant in Ludwigshafen
  • Proven-track record in industrial plants since 2019
  • Versatile technology that can be applied to a wide range of catalytic materials
  • Possibility to customize catalysts to customers’ specific conditions and needs

Customer Success Story – commercially proven technology

Sulfuric Acid: O4-115 X3D®

N2O abatement: O3-85 X3D®

X3D® - Unlock Cost Savings and Sustainability

X3D® is an established shaping technology which will help you cut down costs and boost your sustainability goals:

Benefits of the X3D® technology come from intrinsic properties such a lower bulk density, improved mechanical stability, a faster prototyping, novel and tailored shapes, a lower pressure drop and improved geometric surface area.

We have successfully operated commercial plants using X3D® catalysts for several years, achieving remarkable results. This technology is ready to shape the future of both new and traditional value chains with unparalleled efficiency and improved speed-to-market.

Jens Perregaard

Vice President Custom Catalysts & Innovation, BASF Chemical Catalysts and Adsorbents

Publications

BASF already supplies several internal and external customers with X3D catalysts. Here, the reactor of a chemical plant at BASF’s Ludwigshafen site is being filled. Photo: BASF
BASF starts up the world’s first production plant for 3D-printed catalysts in Ludwigshafen
Ludwigshafen, March 19, 2026 – BASF today started up the world’s first production plant for catalysts based on X3D® technology at its Ludwigshafen site. With the commissioning of this facility, BASF is scaling the additive manufacturing of catalysts to an industrial level and strengthening its leading role in innovative solutions for the chemical industry.
BASF to build additional production capacity for X3D® catalyst shaping technology in Ludwigshafen
BASF announced today that it will invest in additional production capacity for its X3D® technology, a new additive manufacturing technology for catalysts based on 3D printing. The plant will produce catalysts on an industrial scale and is expected to be operational in 2026. 

BASF's X3D® Technology

X3D® is an additive manufacturing technology for catalyst production. Utilizing advanced 3D printing techniques, X3D® creates catalysts with optimized shapes that maximize performance, improve
efficiency, and reduce energy consumption. The technology enables tailor-made catalyst designs for various industrial applications.
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Ready to take the next step? Unlock the potential of your projects with our expertise. Contact us to discuss how we can tailor X3D® catalysts to fit your needs.