Stratasys is expanding its position in industrial 3D printing with a strategic investment in Israeli metal-printing specialist Tritone Technologies. The agreement includes a minority stake as well as close business collaboration and complements Stratasys’ previously strongly polymer-focused portfolio with metal and ceramic technologies for series production. The goal is to address manufacturers that are establishing additive manufacturing as a regular production process and need to manage different materials and technologies in a consistent way.
“Manufacturers who trust Stratasys as their partner for additive manufacturing – including companies in government, defense and aerospace – frequently ask us to complement our polymer offering with a reliable, industrial-grade metal solution,” said Dr. Yoav Zeif, chief executive officer of Stratasys. “After a long search, we have found in Tritone a partner that offers a unique combination of part quality, cost efficiency and a sustainable business model around consumables and services. This agreement significantly expands our overall addressable market.”
Tritone develops systems for metal and ceramic components used, among other sectors, in tooling, medical technology, aerospace and consumer goods. At the core is MoldJet technology, an additive process in which paste-like metal or ceramic mixtures are deposited into temporary molds, then debound and sintered. Unlike powder bed systems, no loose powder is processed, which simplifies material changes and reduces requirements for handling and occupational safety. The platform is designed for high part density and mechanical properties that meet industrial standards, while allowing different geometries and materials to be combined within a single build job configuration.
“We believe that the partnership between the two companies – and the strong synergy underlying it – will accelerate their growth and create significant added value for the market. Stratasys’ extensive experience and global leadership, combined with Tritone’s unique technological capabilities, offer us as investors an exceptional opportunity,” said Hanoch Papoushado, chief investment officer at Discount Capital.
“These exciting investment and partnership are a strong validation of our team’s vision and tireless efforts,” said Ofer Ben Zur. “Our strategy of providing manufacturers with innovative solutions is clearly gaining traction. By collaborating with Stratasys, the leading provider in additive manufacturing, we are expanding the reach of our offering and giving our customers the confidence to use AM technology to manufacture precise metal and ceramic parts that meet the high standards of industrial production.”
Investors such as Discount Capital and Fortissimo Capital see the collaboration as a signal of further growth potential. For users, the partnership could in the medium term mean that mixed machine parks comprising polymer, metal and ceramic systems can be integrated more easily and operated under a consistent data and process landscape – an important step as 3D printing moves from prototyping to scalable series production.
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