Swedish SLS 3D printer manufacturer Wematter announced that it has reached an agreement to be acquired by 3D Systems to expand 3D Systems’ SLS portfolio.
Wematter launched the Gravity 3D printer in 2019, an affordable turnkey SLS solution. The compact system was designed to work in environments outside of factory buildings, such as offices. Since then, Wematter developed three models to facilitate the adoption of SLS in various application areas. Through the acquisition, 3D Systems will make SLS available to a wider range of customers.
Wematter Gravity was developed to make additive manufacturing accessible in smaller environments. The small format requires three times less space and has a build volume that is more than 300% larger than comparable solutions. Gravity is CE certified and can be used in a variety of environments.
Gravity requires only a standard power source and Ethernet connection, enabling plug-and-play installation. Wematter Gravity offers a portfolio of 20 materials and a unique powder handling system that facilitates recycling of unused powder and minimizes waste.
Because Gravity is connected to the cloud, users can remotely launch and monitor print jobs and facilitate preventive maintenance.
“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,” says Dr. Jeffrey Graves, president and CEO, 3D Systems.
He continues: “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. 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.”
Robert Kniola, Founder and CEO of Wematter added, “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.”
The transaction is expected to close in July 2023. More information will be announced in 3D Systems’ upcoming earnings release, scheduled for Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
Find out more about Wematter at wematter3d.com.
For more information about 3D Systems, please visit 3dsystems.com.
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