There has been speculation for some time that 3D Systems was looking to acquire metal 3D printing technology to complement its existing and extensive 3D printing portfolio. Metal capabilities were the glaring gap in the company’s offering. It has to be said, that the speculation was focused on a potential Scandinavian-based acquisition (my own included), but in true 3D Systems style the latest announcement has thrown a curve ball in the ring.
Just this morning,3D Systems宣布，已签署协议，以获取大约80％的Phenix Systems，这是金属激光烧结3D打印机的全球提供商。雷电竞app下载该公司总部位于法国RIOM。Phenix系统（通常飞行在3D打印雷达下方的公司）设计，制造和出售专有的直接金属3D打印机，这些印刷机可以从具有6至9微米的粒度的非常细的粉末中打印化学纯净的完全密集的金属和陶瓷零件。雷电竞app下载
Materials include stainless steel, tool steel, super alloys, non-ferrous alloys, precious metals and alumina and have been applied in a variety of aerospace, automotive and patient-specific medical device industries. According to 3D Systems, the combination of Phenix Systems’ proprietary metal technology with 3D Systems’ extensive technology portfolio strengthens the company’s offerings and immediately positions it at the heart of fast-growing aerospace, automotive, defense and patient specific healthcare manufacturing opportunities.
Furthermore, the transaction adds complementary printers and materials, strengthens the company’s Selective Laser Sintering technology platform and is expected to be accretive to the company’s non-GAAP earnings in the first full year following the completion of transaction.
Avi Reichental, President and CEO, 3D Systems commented on the news: “Phenix represents the perfect strategic fit for us and we are thrilled to welcome François Reymondet, Patrick Teulet and their entire team to 3D Systems once the deal has closed. Our complementary capabilities in advanced manufacturing combined with our effective R&D and extensive marketplace reach and coverage are sure to result in current and future direct metal solutions that will delight our customers.”
对于Phenix，首席执行官FrançoisReymondet表示：“我们已经观看并钦佩3D系统多年了，因为它们在全球范围内采用了3D内容到印刷解决方案。我们认为，现在是结合我们努力利用对直接金属生产的加速需求的合适时机。”
The deal is expected to be finalized in July 2013.
So, not totally unexpected, and a sensible move, interesting to see how this pans out in terms of consumer offerings on Cubify too.
