Velo3D appoints SBOT as exclusive manufacturing partner in DACH region
November 16, 2023
Velo3D, Inc., based in Campbell, California, USA, has appointed Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Technology (SBOT) as its exclusive contract manufacturing partner in the DACH region, comprising Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. SBOT was also named as Velo3D’s exclusive contract manufacturing partner for the oil and gas industry throughout Europe.
SBOT, a provider known for delivering high-precision components to the oil and gas industry, will add an additional Sapphire AM machine to its two existing machines. As the maximum production capacity of the Sapphire machines is reached, SBOT stated it will introduce new machines and alloys to its network to cater to customer needs.
“Since purchasing our first Sapphire printer in 2021, we’ve been very impressed by Velo3D’s metal 3D printing solution and its ability to produce parts with few-to-no supports, even those with low and zero-degree overhangs,” stated Campbell MacPherson, SBO EVP of Advanced Manufacturing. “It’s great to see Velo3D commit to our success with this agreement, which we believe will drive increased revenue for our Additive Manufacturing business. We look forward to reaching new customers with our solutions from Velo3D and in turn reinvesting in our joint business together.”
Velo3D’s Contract Manufacturer Network enables companies to buy metal Additive Manufacturing services from providers instead of buying, setting up, and operating their own machines and software. It also provides access to a larger variety of metal alloys. This approach allows companies to utilise Velo3D’s fully integrated solution without a large capital expenditure. As these customers’ production increases, they can buy their own machines or expand production to other providers, establishing a distributed manufacturing network.
Velo3D’s Contract Manufacturer Network presently comprises over ten companies across four continents. SBOT will be the only company in the network concentrating on the DACH region. Velo3D will not be seeking new contract manufacturers within the European oil and gas industry, a significant part of SBOT’s customer base.
In 2021, Velo3D extended its footprint in Europe, with SBOT joining as the first European member of the Contract Manufacturer Network. SBOT’s sister company, Knust-Godwin, operated a fleet of Sapphire machines at its Katy, Texas, USA, facility, which inspired SBOT to explore using Velo3D’s fully integrated solution for its customers services from its Austrian facility.
“There is a growing demand for advanced manufacturing technology in Europe that can help companies streamline their supply chains, develop more performant parts, and lower manufacturing costs, and SBOT is a great partner for European companies in need of high-quality metal parts,” Benny Buller, Velo3D founder and CEO, shared. “Both SBOT and Knust-Godwin have been excellent partners that have continually demonstrated their ability to produce precise parts using the most advanced manufacturing technology available, and we’re honoured to partner with them on this next phase of our growth in Europe.”
SBOT’s current Sapphire AM machines are calibrated to produce parts using Inconel 718, a nickel-based alloy known for its high strength and corrosion resistance at extreme temperatures. The new Sapphire machine will produce parts in CP1, a lightweight aluminium alloy ideal for heat transfer applications.
In addition to the Sapphire machines, SBOT operates 120 CNC machines with unique manufacturing technologies. The company holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001, EN/AS 9100, API Spec 7-1, and AEO certifications.
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