3D Systems strengthens its position in SLS through the acquisition of Wematter
The Today, Swedish SLS 3D printer manufacturer Wematter announces that it has entered into an agreement to be acquired by 3D Systems, which will broaden 3D Systems’ SLS portfolio.
In 2019, Wematter launched the Gravity 3D printer, introducing an affordable, turnkey SLS solution to the market. The closed system is designed to work in compact environments outside factory premises, for example in an office. Since then, Wematter has expanded to three models, Gravity Essential, Gravity Essential+ and Gravity Enterprise, to facilitate the introduction of SLS into a range of application areas. As a result of this acquisition, 3D Systems will be able to make SLS available to a wider range of customers with a highly reliable and affordable end-product manufacturing solution.
Wematter Gravity was designed to make additive manufacturing accessible in smaller environments. The small format of 0.7 m x 0.7 m x 1.5 m requires three times less space but has a build volume of 300 mm x 300 mm x 300 mm which is more than 300 % larger than comparable solutions and can complete an entire print job in 24 hours or less. Gravity is CE certified for use in offices, hospitals, and research laboratories to manufacture production parts for a variety of applications, including automotive, consumer goods, and medical equipment.
The Gravity only requires a standard power source and Ethernet connection enabling plug-and-play installation and can be up and running in less than an hour from delivery. This is facilitated by the simple interface that guides the user through the printing process. Wematter Gravity offers a portfolio of 20 materials to handle a wide range of applications. The unique powder handling system consists of a closed loop, which ensures that there is no loose powder. The system also facilitates recycling of unused powder over multiple cycles, enabling manufacturers to fully utilize materials and minimize waste.
Because Gravity is connected to the cloud, users can start and monitor print jobs remotely, helping to increase productivity and reduce resource consumption. The cloud-based connectivity also facilitates preventive maintenance to maximize uptime and productivity.
“An SLS solution that is unmatched in the industry”
“We continue to invest in our solution portfolio through strategic acquisitions that add unique technologies to enable rapid adoption of additive manufacturing in production environments,” says Dr. Jeffrey Graves, president and CEO, 3D Systems.
He continues: “Wematter has designed an SLS solution that is unmatched in the industry that allows the technology to be used in environments where it would previously have been deemed impossible. Since the announcement last fall that 3D Systems would become the exclusive global distributor Wematter’s products, it became increasingly apparent to us how beneficial it would be to have this team and technology as part of our company. Through the acquisition of Wematter, we’ll benefit from their team’s unique engineering approach and expertise as part of our R&D organization, and our customers will benefit from the capabilities of this user-friendly, elegant platform at a more affordable price point. I believe this will enable a new category of manufacturers to take advantage of the benefits of additive manufacturing to transform their businesses and accelerate innovation.”
Robert Kniola, Founder and CEO of Wematter added, “We’re looking forward to becoming part of 3D Systems and benefitting from the company’s reputation as a leader in innovation and being able to expand the availability of our Gravity SLS solution to customers worldwide through their global sales network. Our unique SLS solution is designed to accelerate product development and in-house volume production with a click of a button. We are excited about the opportunities to bring SLS technology to a new class of customers for 3D Systems, and the potential it will unlock to improve efficiency in the delivery of high-quality end-use parts.”
This transaction is expected to close in July 2023. More information will be announced in 3D System’s upcoming earnings call, scheduled for Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Delviken
Marketing Director
Wematter AB
press@wematter3d.com
+46 (0)739 65 80 32
About Wematter AB (publ)
Swedish 3D printing company Wematter’s pioneering solution gives hospitals, offices, and workshops access to a comprehensive system. For the first time, employees can easily print components themselves with the same strength and quality as traditional technology. Wematter’s proprietary end-to-end solution enables customers to accelerate product development and in-house volume production. At the same time, the system creates the conditions for increased flexibility, lower risk and reduced manufacturing and development costs. For more information about Wematter, visit wematter3d.com
About 3D Systems
More than 35 years ago, 3D Systems brought the innovation of 3D printing to the manufacturing industry. Today, as the leading additive manufacturing solutions partner, they bring innovation, performance, and reliability to every interaction – empowering their customers to create products and business models never before possible. Thanks to their unique offering of hardware, software, materials, and services, each application-specific solution is powered by the expertise of their application engineers who collaborate with customers to transform how they deliver their products and services. 3D Systems’ solutions address a variety of advanced applications in healthcare and industrial markets such as medical and dental, aerospace & defense, automotive, and durable goods. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com
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