Safran has agreed to acquire a stake in Prodways Group as the two companies entered a partnership which will see them work together to develop additive materials and processes.
Prodways’ parent company, Group Gorge announced plans to launch an initial public offering (IPO) on the 3D printing division back in March. French holding company, FIMALAC and international banking group, BNPP, will also acquire shares in Prodways, while Bpifrance and Financiere Arbevel have also made a commitment to subscribe to the division’s capital increase.
The partnership signed between Safran and Prodways Group today primarily focuses on the development of printable materials and processes for the assembly of these materials with inorganic compounds, such as ceramics or metal, for Safran products and processes. This framework contract will be supplemented by specific contracts in areas such as foundry, metal parts in indirect manufacturing or high temperature polymer powders for composites. This non-exclusive contract is concluded for a period of five years and may be renewed by mutual agreement.
“This agreement is part of Safran’s voluntary strategy in the field of additive manufacturing,” said Stephane Cueille, Safran’s R&T and Innovation Group Manager. “Safran is currently at the forefront in this field and uses 3D printing technology to construct parts and subassemblies of its engines and other aeronautical and defence equipment. This agreement allows our two companies to pool our skills to efficiently transform the technological bricks mastered by Prodways Group into additive manufacturing processes for Safran products.”
Prodways boasts a quarter of a century’s worth of experience in the 3D printing industry. In 2007, it launched arguably the company’s most breakthrough technology: MovingLight. MovingLight technology is equally efficient in the production of prototypes and functional parts, ensuring high resolution at high speeds.
In 2016, Prodwys achieved a turnover of €25.2 million, 58% of which was generated internationally. In March, Groupe Gorge took the decision to launch an IPO on the Prodways division to take it to ‘the second phase of growth.’ With Safran, and several companies, now committed to coming on board, Prodways will be hoping to secure a much stronger foothold in the 3D printing market.
