Arcam reports continued growth in first half of 2017
July 20, 2017
Arcam Group, Mölndal, Sweden, has reported continued growth during the first six months 2017, with sales up 32%. The company’s sales increased to SEK 407 million for the period January-June 2017, compared to SEK 307.6 million in the same period of 2016. Operating income was SEK 5.5 million, compared to SEK 4.1 million in the previous period.
In the first six months of 2017, Arcam reported that it delivered 32 of its Electron Bean Melting (EBM) Additive Manufacturing systems, a significant rise from the 28 delivered in the 2016 period. According to Arcam’s report the demand for EBM systems, as well as metal powders from its subsidiary AP&C, was driven largely by the aerospace industry and by the increasing interest in Additive Manufacturing from the orthopaedic sector.
According to the report, the company has experienced continued growth despite what it calls a challenging market situation. Arcam noted that many customers are still hesitant to launch large manufacturing projects, which hinders more rapid growth. However, it stated that the company believes that increased product maturity, as well as new application areas, will drive more production interest.
Arcam also stated that growth in the period owed much to the interest generated by the group’s largest shareholder, GE. Over the January-June 2017 period the order intake from GE was 12 EBM systems, and 16 systems were delivered to GE.
DiSanto Technology Inc., Arcam’s medical device manufacturing business, was said to be increasingly active on the market and continued to grow with new customers and projects for additively manufactured medical implants. However, the business was reportedly burdened by weak sales for implants made with traditional technology.
During the period the company reported that it had strengthened its organisation with the addition of Karl Lindblom as Arcam EBM General Manager in April 2017 and the expansion of AP&C with a new plant, expected to be complete in September. With the new facility, Arcam stated that it will double its capacity for titanium powder atomisation. Arcam concluded that despite challenging market conditions it is well positioned to take advantage of the latest and future market opportunities for Additive Manufacturing.
