Schaeffler is expanding its expertise in additive manufacturing technologies by acquiring Belgian start-up Aerosint SA from Desktop Metal. However, the exact terms of the acquisition remain under wraps.
Following the acquisition, Aerosint will be renamed “Schaeffler Aerosint SA” and integrated into the Schaeffler Group. Andreas Schick, Chief Operating Officer at Schaeffler AG, emphasized the importance of the deal: “Schaeffler Aerosint SA brings the first industrial solution for simultaneous, metallic multi-material printing to the market. This know-how will give us a clear market advantage.”
Aerosint’s patented technology, Selective Powder Deposition (SPD), enables the creation of homogeneous layers from multiple adjacent material deposits. In this process, the required amounts of the right material are deposited in a targeted manner. Schaeffler also plans to integrate this technology into its system for multi-material 3D printing, which will be available in 2024.
Bernd Wollenick, senior vice president of Schaeffler Special Machinery, said, “By integrating this key technology, Schaeffler Special Machinery can offer its customers a broader system portfolio, especially for manufacturing and medical technology.”
Aerosint was founded in 2016 and acquired by Desktop Metal in 2021. Ric Fulop, CEO of Desktop Metal, sees Schaeffler as an ideal partner to further develop and market the SPD technology. He emphasized the future cooperation between the two companies, especially in the area of tool-less manufacturing technologies.
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