US-based provider of 3D printing solutions, 3D Systems (3DS), has recently acquired three companies in a bid to improve the company's offerings for North America. The company has also signed a lease for a new 200,000 square foot facility and announced its part in a $3 million grant for additive manufacturing research.
The company announced on 6 August it had bought Laser Reproductions, which was shortly followed by the purchase of sister companies American Precision Prototyping (APP) and American Precision Machining (APM), confirmed on 13 August.
Laser Reproductions is a provider of advanced manufacturing product development and engineering services. 3DS says the deal was made to further extend its Quickparts operations in the USA.
On the topic of the APP and APM acquisition Ziad Abou, vice president and general manager, Quickparts for 3DS, said: ‘APP and APM bring a wealth of experience and bench strength in both advanced manufacturing and the aerospace industry that is highly complementary to our offerings. This acquisition further enhances our North American capabilities and expertise.’
3DS revenue grew by 25 per cent in Q2 2014 compare to the same period last year. The company put this growth down to strong demand for its design and manufacturing printers, materials and services.
With the aim to cater for this increase in demand, 3DS also said on 12 August that it has signed a lease for a new 200,000 square foot facility in South Carolina, USA. In a press release on the company’s website, it said: ‘The addition of this new manufacturing and distribution centre is part of the company’s previously announced expansion, which is expected to generate hundreds of new jobs over time.’
3DS has also partnered with the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and America Makes to grant three leading universities a total of $3 million to carry out additive manufacturing (AM) research. The announcement was made on 15 August by Governor Tom Corbett at 3DS' 3D printing facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Corbett said: ‘Pennsylvania is known for making products for the world, and to remain competitive, we must ensure our policies support the technology and innovation of the 21st century. By supporting this collaborative initiative, we will tap the best and brightest from two of Pennsylvania's many prestigious universities to help our manufacturers remain leaders in the global economy.’
The grant – which was contributed by America Makes, the Corbett administration's ‘Discovered in PA - Developed in PA (D2PA)’ programme, and private investors – will be shared between the Carnegie Mellon University and Lehigh University. The $3 million will be used to fund at least 13 projects covering topics ranging from the medical industry to complex AM with various materials, with the research to be carried out in collaboration with 3DS.
Update:
On 28 August, 3DS announced the acquisition of Simbionix, a manufacturer of virtual reality surgical simulation and training. 3DS said the deal would extend the companies clinical capabilities for planning complex personalised surgical procedures and 3D printed implants.
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