The 3D printing industry saw a whirlwind of corporate activity in 2025, with several high-profile mergers, acquisitions, and company closures reshaping the additive manufacturing (AM) landscape. As the sector matures, consolidation is becoming a defining trend, driven by the need for scale, technology integration, and market expansion.
Major Mergers in 3D Printing 2025
One of the most significant mergers of the year was the union of Stratasys and Desktop Metal. After a prolonged and public battle involving multiple suitors, the two companies finally merged, creating a formidable player in both polymer and metal 3D printing. The merger was driven by complementary technologies and a shared vision for industrial-scale additive manufacturing. Stratasys brought its expertise in polymer extrusion and PolyJet technologies, while Desktop Metal contributed its binder jetting and metal AM capabilities.
Another notable merger was between Nexa3D and Essentium. Nexa3D, known for its ultrafast resin printers, and Essentium, a specialist in high-speed extrusion systems, combined forces to offer a broader portfolio of high-throughput solutions. The merger aimed to address the growing demand for production-grade AM systems in aerospace, automotive, and defense sectors.
Key Acquisitions Reshaping the AM Market
2025 also saw a flurry of acquisitions as companies sought to expand their technological capabilities and market reach. 3D Systems acquired Titan Robotics, a manufacturer of large-format pellet extrusion printers. This move strengthened 3D Systems’ position in industrial-scale AM and allowed it to offer more cost-effective solutions for tooling and end-use parts.
Meanwhile, Materialise acquired Link3D, a software company specializing in workflow automation and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) for additive manufacturing. This acquisition enhanced Materialise’s software suite, enabling better integration of AM into traditional manufacturing environments.
In the metal AM space, Velo3D acquired a smaller competitor, Additive Industries, to consolidate its position in the high-performance metal printing market. The acquisition brought in new customers and expanded Velo3D’s footprint in Europe.
Companies That Disappeared or Pivoted
Not all companies survived the competitive pressures of 2025. Some exited the market entirely, while others pivoted to new business models. One of the most talked-about exits was that of Arevo, a company once known for its continuous carbon fiber 3D printing technology. Despite early promise and high-profile partnerships, Arevo struggled to scale its business and eventually shut down operations.
Another notable exit was from Tethon 3D, a pioneer in ceramic 3D printing materials. The company was unable to secure sufficient funding to continue operations and was eventually acquired for its IP by a larger materials company.
On the pivot side, companies like Carbon shifted focus from hardware to software and materials, emphasizing their Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) platform and subscription-based business model. Similarly, Formlabs began offering more services and software tools to complement its hardware, aiming to become a full-stack AM provider.
What This Means for the Future of Additive Manufacturing
The consolidation trend in 2025 reflects a maturing industry where scale, integration, and end-to-end solutions are becoming critical. As customers demand more reliable, cost-effective, and scalable AM solutions, companies are responding by joining forces, acquiring complementary technologies, or exiting the market altogether.
For users and investors, these changes signal a shift toward fewer but stronger players capable of delivering industrial-grade performance. The focus is increasingly on production applications rather than prototyping, with sectors like aerospace, automotive, and healthcare driving demand.
Looking ahead, we can expect further consolidation, especially among software providers and materials companies. The winners will be those who can offer integrated solutions, global support, and a clear path to ROI for industrial users.
Source: 3DPrint.com
