Process flow part
LayerWise, in a nutshell, offers high-end additive manufacturing for high-end applications and it continues to raise the bar one layer of a time.
In order to further enhance its metal printing and manufacturing capabilities 3D Systems have acquired Belgian company LayerWise.
LayerWise was spun out of the Catholic University of Leuven – the same university that spawned Materialise – and still collaborates heavily with the university for the advancement of AM with metals.
Since 2008, LayerWise has delivered quick-turn, 3D-printed metal parts, manufactured on its own proprietary line of direct metal 3D printers, for aerospace, high-precision equipment and medical and dental customers.
"We are delighted to integrate our proprietary direct metal technology and processes into 3D Systems' leading portfolio of products and services," said Jonas Van Vaerenbergh, one of LayerWise's founders. "With its culture of continuous innovation dating back to its founder Chuck Hull, the inventor of the first 3D printing technology, and its commitment to advancing direct metal 3D technology and medical device services, 3DS is the perfect fit for our company and strengthens our combined growth potential."
Though financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed the transaction is expected to immediately add to 3D Systems revenue stream.
"The addition of LayerWise, with its award-winning direct metal printing technology, automated manufacturing processes at convincing scale and leading medical devices services, extends our first mover advantage in these high-growth areas substantially, to the immediate benefit of our aerospace, automotive and medical device customers," said Avi Reichental, President and CEO, 3DS.
Co-founders Jonas Van Vaerenbergh and Peter Mercelis will continue to operate LayerWise and will immediately pursue new projects in its high-end target markets.
Read our in-depth feature on LayerWise from the February issue of the magazine right here...
