News and Insights of 3D Printing and Manufacturing
Alloyed, a UK-based digital metal solutions company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NTT DATA XAM Technologies (XAM), a newly formed Japan-based additive manufacturing company. Together, the companies will seek to establish an AM business venture in Japan.
Nexa3D, a manufacturer of ultra-fast SLA 3D printers, has just announced the acquisition of NXT Factory, a developer of Quantum Laser Sintering (QLS) 3D printing technology. Through the deal, Nexa3D is acquiring all outstanding shares of NXT Factory, and will begin to offer both high-speed 3D printing processes through its AM portfolio. The acquisition will also see Nexa3D add a range of powder fusion plastic materials to its product line.
Voxeljet reports that it is further expanding in the Indian market as Bangalore foundry Peekay Steel Castings installs VX4000 sand 3D printer, with a job box size of 4000 x 2000 x 1000 mm, to quickly and cost-effectively conduct technically demanding projects and expand into new business areas. The VX4000 system is one of the world’s largest and most productive 3D printers with a build volume of eight cubic meters.
The entrepreneurial families Hehl and Keinath – owners of the Arburg Group – acquired specialized 3D printer manufacturer German RepRap GmbH, thus expanding the range of polymer 3D printing technology now directly available to Arburg customers.
DSM and JuggerBot 3D have launched a trial program for industrial-grade 3D printing applications using high-performance materials. Manufacturers can validate the benefits of additive manufacturing and build technology expertise without the need for upfront capital investment.
Chemicals company Henkel has signed a development agreement in cooperation with Boston-based 3D printing startup Fortify. Through the partnership, the companies will combine their expertise—materials development and Digital Composite Manufacturing (DCM), respectively—to advance resin-based additive manufacturing.
Xometry, the largest marketplace for on-demand (additive+subtractive+formative) manufacturing acquired Munich-based Shift, the largest on-demand (subtractive+formative-only) manufacturing marketplace in Europe. Through the acquisition, Xometry will accelerate its international expansion into 12 new countries, leveraging a worldwide network of over 4,000 manufacturers.
The Australian Government today announced a $1.5 million investment into a two-year pilot of SPEE3D technology for the Royal Australian Navy including the deployment of a WarpSPEE3D 3D metal printer. Cold spray 3D printing technology developed by the Darwin, Australia, based company will be deployed by the Royal Australian Navy in a world-first trial that will streamline the maintenance of patrol vessels.
After some speculation about the future of Lulzbot 3D printer manufacturer Aleph Objects, the Colorado-based company has announced it has been acquired by Fargo Additive Manufacturing Equipment 3D (FAME 3D). The acquiring company, based in Fargo, North Dakota, will continue to manufacture and sell Lulzbot 3D printers.
Materials and chemical giant BASF has taken a keen interest to 3D printing recently. As reported by 3D Printing Media Network’s Spanish language sister website Replicador.es, the multinational giant joined the international Barcelona-area based additive manufacturing Hub, IAM 3D HUB, as a technological partner. The company is thus aligned with the Hub’s mission and objectives and will support its mission by providing know-how, materials, and technologies for new 3D printing applications. BASF also wants to contribute with new points of view based on its experience in the chemical and materials development sector.