3D Systems acquires Belgian metal Additive Manufacturer LayerWise
September 4, 2014
3D Systems headquartered in Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA, has announced the acquisition of Belgium based LayerWise, a leading provider of advanced direct metal 3D printing and manufacturing services. LayerWise manufactures a range of components using its own proprietary line of direct metal 3D printers for aerospace, high-precision equipment and medical and dental customers.
“We are delighted to integrate our proprietary direct metal technology and processes into 3D Systems’ leading portfolio of products and services,” stated Jonas Van Vaerenbergh, one of LayerWise’s founders. “With its culture of continuous innovation dating back to its founder Chuck Hull, the inventor of the first 3D printing technology, and its commitment to advancing direct metal 3D technology and medical device services, 3D Systems is the perfect fit for our company and strengthens our combined growth potential.”
Since 2008, LayerWise has designed and built its own direct metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) systems. Its unique powder to solid metal printers can produce functional metal parts with a relative part density of up to 99.98% and match conventional metals mechanical properties, at substantial unit weight reduction. These capabilities have led to rapid adoption of LayerWise manufacturing services by medical device, transportation and precision equipment customers for whom weight-reduction, strength and accuracy are paramount.
“The addition of LayerWise, with its award-winning direct metal printing technology, automated manufacturing processes at convincing scale and leading medical devices services, extends our first mover advantage in these high-growth areas substantially, to the immediate benefit of our aerospace, automotive and medical device customers,” stated Avi Reichental, President and CEO, 3D Systems.
LayerWise will operate under the continued leadership of co-founders Jonas Van Vaerenbergh and Peter Mercelis and immediately pursue new projects in its high-end target markets, taking full advantage of the global market leadership of 3D Systems by leveraging the combined resources and expertise to advance the entire portfolio further and faster.
www.3dsystems.com
www.layerwise.com
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