Align Technology, Inc., designer and manufacturer of the Invisalign® System, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Cubicure GmbH, a pioneer in direct polymer 3D printing solutions that develops, produces, and distributes innovative materials, equipment, and processes for novel 3D printing solutions.
Utilising a unique heating and coating mechanism, Cubicure’s patented Hot Lithography technique processes highly viscous resins to create particularly durable and temperature-resistant polymers. This very accurate 3D printing technique enables the first-ever additive production of robust components with astoundingly superior material performance.
Cubicure – The direct polymer 3D printing solutions
Align’s existing intellectual property portfolio and expertise in direct 3D printing of appliances will be strengthened by the purchase of Cubicure. Additionally, Align’s printing, material, and manufacturing capabilities for our line of 3D printed products will be expanded and scaled through integration with Cubicure.
From printers to print prototypes and small quantities with the portable Caligma system to series production on the massive 3D printing facility Cerion, Cubicure provides a variety of 3D printing solutions. Additionally, it provides slicing software, post-processing options, and resin 3D printing materials.
“Align and Cubicure have worked together for many years and our successful collaboration has contributed to breakthrough technologies and innovation in direct 3D printing.”
– Srini Kaza, Senior VP of Product R&D, Align Technology
Kaza continued, “The acquisition of Cubicure will not only strengthen the Align Digital Platform and our core capabilities in direct 3D printing, but their talented team, including visionary founders, engineers, and material scientists, will expand our knowledge and expertise in one of the most strategic areas of innovation over the next decade. I look forward to welcoming the entire Cubicure team to Align and continuing to extend our global leadership in digital orthodontics and 3D printing.”
“As the pioneer and a global leader in clear aligners with the world’s largest 3D printing operations producing over 1 million custom appliances every day, Align is continuing to innovate and invest in technologies that enable the next generation of direct 3D printed products, thus creating more sustainable and efficient solutions.”
– Joe Hogan, president and CEO, Align Technology
Hogan added, “Our partnership with Cubicure began several years ago as a joint development program and has evolved over time with the potential for significant innovation in scaling our direct 3D printing processes. The agreement to acquire Cubicure is a natural next step to bring their talented team and unique cutting-edge technology in-house where they will support our long-term growth strategy by enabling us to scale our 3D printing operations to eventually direct print millions of custom appliances per day.”
Subject to customary closing adjustments and adjustments for Align’s existing ownership of Cubicure’s capital stock, the purchase price for the deal will be roughly €79 million. Closing of the deal is anticipated for early 2024 or Q4 2023.
System solutions for the industrial 3D printing of polymer parts are developed, produced, and distributed by Cubicure GmbH. The Viennese company has been directing digital production since 2015 with roots in academic research and the desire to assist create the digital future of business. Hot lithography technology enables durable precision component additive production at a never-before-seen scale.
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