July 2023 was a pivotal month for the 3D printing industry, marked by strategic acquisitions, new material innovations, and significant business developments. As additive manufacturing continues to evolve, these events highlight the sector’s growing maturity and its expanding role across industries.
Major Acquisitions Reshape the 3D Printing Landscape
One of the most talked-about events in July was the acquisition of 3D printing service provider Forecast 3D by GKN Additive. This move strengthens GKN’s position in the North American market and enhances its polymer capabilities. Forecast 3D, known for its expertise in polymer 3D printing and rapid prototyping, brings a wealth of experience and a strong customer base to GKN’s portfolio.
Meanwhile, Desktop Metal announced the acquisition of Aidro, an Italian company specializing in hydraulic and fluid power systems. This acquisition is part of Desktop Metal’s strategy to expand its applications in end-use metal parts, particularly in the energy and fluid power sectors. Aidro’s experience in metal additive manufacturing for functional parts aligns with Desktop Metal’s push into production-grade AM solutions.
New Materials and Technologies Drive Innovation
Material innovation remained a key theme in July. 3D Systems introduced a new high-performance material, Figure 4 Tough Clear, designed for functional prototyping and end-use applications. This transparent material offers excellent mechanical properties and long-term stability, making it ideal for automotive, consumer goods, and industrial applications.
In another development, Stratasys launched a new open material ecosystem for its FDM printers, allowing third-party material developers to certify their filaments for use on Stratasys systems. This move is expected to accelerate material innovation and broaden the range of applications for FDM technology.
Business Growth and Strategic Partnerships
Several companies reported strong business performance and announced strategic partnerships. Protolabs, a leader in digital manufacturing, reported a 17% year-over-year increase in revenue, driven by demand for its 3D printing and CNC machining services. The company also expanded its European operations with a new facility in Germany.
Elsewhere, Velo3D partnered with Hartech Group to expand its presence in the Middle East. The partnership aims to bring Velo3D’s advanced metal AM solutions to aerospace and defense customers in the region. This aligns with the broader trend of additive manufacturing gaining traction in high-performance industries.
Industry Events and Market Trends
July also saw several key industry events and market insights. The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) released its annual report, highlighting trends such as increased adoption of AM for production parts, growing interest in sustainability, and the need for workforce development.
Market research firm SmarTech Analysis published a report forecasting that the metal AM market will reach $11 billion by 2030, driven by demand in aerospace, medical, and energy sectors. The report emphasizes the importance of software, post-processing, and quality assurance in scaling AM for production.
As the 3D printing industry continues to mature, July 2023 underscored the importance of strategic growth, material innovation, and global expansion. These developments are setting the stage for a dynamic future in additive manufacturing.
Source: 3D Printing Industry
