3D Systems, the world’s largest 3D printing company (by market cap), has announced the acquisition of Wematter, the Swedish SLS 3D printer manufacturer. The acquisition is intended to expand 3D Systems’ SLS 3D printing portfolio. As a result of this acquisition, 3D Systems will be able to provide SLS to a broader range of customers by providing a highly reliable and cost-effective end-product manufacturing solution.
Wematter is well-known for its ground-breaking Gravity 3D printer, promoted as the easiest SLS 3D printing system in the world. It offers a low-cost, turnkey SLS solution to the market and intended to operate in small spaces outside of factory premises, such as an office.
Wematter Gravity 3D Printer
Since the launch of the Gravity 3D printer in 2019, Wematter’s offering has grown to include three models: Gravity Essential, Gravity Essential+, and Gravity Enterprise, to facilitate the introduction of SLS into a variety of application areas.
Wematter Gravity was created to make additive manufacturing more accessible in smaller spaces. The small format 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 produce production parts for a wide range of applications such as automotive, consumer goods, and medical equipment.
The Gravity requires only a standard power source and an Ethernet connection for installation and can be up and running in less than an hour after delivery. This is made easier by the straightforward interface that guides the user through the printing process. Wematter Gravity has a portfolio of 20 materials that can be used in a variety of applications. The one-of-a-kind powder handling system is comprised of a closed loop that ensures there is no loose powder. The system also allows for the recycling of unused powder over multiple cycles, allowing manufacturers to maximise material utilisation while minimising waste.
Because Gravity is cloud-connected, users can start and monitor print jobs remotely, increasing productivity and reducing resource consumption. The cloud-based connectivity also allows for preventive maintenance, which increases uptime and productivity.
Acquisition of Wematter
“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.”
– Dr. Jeffrey Graves, president and CEO, 3D Systems
Graves continued, “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.”
“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.”
– Robert Kniola, Founder and CEO of Wematter
Graves concluded, “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.”
This transaction is scheduled to be completed in July 2023. More details will be revealed during 3D System’s upcoming earnings call on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
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