Rheinmetall Automotive launches Solidteq start-up for metal Additive Manufacturing
November 17, 2017
German-based auto-industry supplier Rheinmetell Automotive AG’s metal Additive Manufacturing spin-off is reportedly entering the market under the new name of Solidteq GmbH. Under its new title, the company will also offer its expertise to third-party customers, in particular from the automotive and mechanical engineering sectors.
Rheinmetall Automotive, through its subsidiary Pierburg, has specialised in Selective Laser Melting (SLM) for six years during which it states that it has accumulated experience of over 66,000 operating hours. Last year, the company launched Solidteq as a start-up to enable it to market its products to external customers.
This year, Solidteq commissioned the installation of further SLM units at its facility in Neuss, Germany, in order to address the rising demand for its Additive Manufacturing services. The company offers support across the four project phases from planning, to the development of a 3D model, to the Additive Manufacturing and finishing of work pieces. Materials offered by the company include aluminium, stainless steel and tool steel.
Thomas Bartels, CEO at Solidteq GmbH, stated, “Above all we would like to get across to potential customers the design latitude, time savings and cost reductions resulting from additive production in this key technology. We see ourselves as a pioneer and driver of this innovative printing technology which can be used profitably above all in the automotive sector besides other industries.”
“Our profound know-how has grown over years of practical experience,” he continued. “It is very important for us to be able to advise and accompany our customers in such a way that they can cope swiftly and readily with potential design obstacles.”
