Hubb to acquire 3D Systems’ Oqton and 3DXpert software platforms
3D Systems, Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA, has announced that following a comprehensive strategic review of its major software platforms, it intends to divest its Oqton Manufacturing Operating System (MOS) and 3DXpert metal AM software platforms.
Under 3D Systems’ ownership, both Oqton and 3DXpert have been offered as AM machine-agnostic platforms to global OEMs and customers alike, and not confined to 3D Systems’ metal AM machines. This approach is said to have been effective in creating a strong technical foundation and brand awareness for both platforms. However, transitioning these solutions to an independent software developer is expected to further accelerate OEM adoption of Additive Manufacturing and foster the standardisation needed to transform the manufacturing landscape for metal AM, stated 3D Systems.
To this end, 3D Systems reported that Hubb Global Holdings, a strategic investment group led by principals Steve Lokam and Kalyan Yenneti, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire both Oqton and 3DXpert. This strategic investment is aimed at significantly expanding its core capabilities, strengthening sales and service infrastructure, and driving broader industry adoption. The transaction is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Just as it has under 3D Systems’ ownership, Oqton MOS will operate under Hubb Global Holdings as an independent provider of AM machine-agnostic enterprise software that will enable the rapid integration of intelligent, cost-effective metal Additive Manufacturing into customers’ factories. The same approach will be taken with 3DXpert, whether it is incorporated into the Oqton MOS or provided to customers as a standalone platform. This approach is expected to benefit the entire industry by accelerating growth in customer demand for metal AM technology, and its integration into factory operating environments around the world.
“Our company is focused on enabling customers to fully leverage the advantages of Additive Manufacturing in their production environment,” stated Dr Jeffrey Graves, president and CEO of 3D Systems. “We make this possible by providing fully integrated Additive Manufacturing solutions comprising 3D printing hardware, materials, software, and services to customers worldwide. We believe it’s critical to continue to invest in R&D to drive innovation in all elements of our solutions – focusing these investments where they can make the biggest impact for our customers and shareholders.”
“By concentrating our internal software development resources on advancing 3D Sprint, and continuing to support our unique application development across both polymer and metal printing solutions, with the later utilising the 3DXpert platform that will continue to evolve under Hubb Global Holdings’ ownership, we can best leverage both of these market-leading software systems to solve the most critical customer needs in both polymer and metal solutions,” Graves added.
“In addition, we are confident that, with the backing of Hubb Global Holdings, Oqton MOS will continue on its path to become the Manufacturing OS of choice for 3D printing, and that 3DXpert will expand upon the unmatched technical foundation it has established with customers, and several other OEMs alike. This transaction enables 3D Systems to be well-positioned for the future, with a comprehensive solution portfolio to support high reliability customers in production environments, supported by a sustainable R&D investment strategy for the future,” concluded Graves.
