3D Systems has acquired Allevi, a Pennsylvania, USA-based developer of bioprinting solutions, and Additive Works, a German additive manufacturing (AM) software company.
‘These investments are another important step in the company’s aggressive, four-phase initiative to reorganize, restructure, divest non-core assets, and invest for accelerated growth,’ a press release said.
According to the company, Allevi has a presence in over 380 medical and pharmaceutical laboratories in more than 40 countries and allows 3D Systems to grow in the rapidly evolving field of regenerative medicine.
Additive Works’ software focuses on simulation-based optimization and automation of the AM print preparation and workflow using algorithms accessed through a user-friendly interface, 3D Systems said. It makes it possible to determine optimum print set up, such as part orientation and support structures as well as adapt the process for thermal management and distortion compensation. The automated simulation software, which interfaces with CAD systems, can help increase productivity by reducing set-up time while improving product yield, throughput, and component performance.
‘Industrialization of additive manufacturing has been enabled by the maturing of metal and polymer printing technologies, and the rapid expansion of printable materials that are well suited for use in industrial equipment and high-reliability systems,’ the company said. ‘Moving forward, a pacing item for AM growth is software that can support widespread industrial adoption by those that are generalists in manufacturing.’
This story uses material from 3D Systems, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.