Product News
3D Metal Printer Builds Using
High-Power Laser
The LENS 450 metal 3D printer from Optomec uses a
high-power laser to build up structures one layer at a time
directly from powdered metals. The process takes place
in a chamber that is purged with argon so that the oxygen
level stays below 10 parts per million, ensuring that no
impurities are picked up during deposition. Printed parts
can be heat-treated, hot-isostatic-pressed, machined or
fnished in virtually any other manner.
The LENS 450 can process a variety of materials,
including stainless steel, cobalt chrome, titanium and
superalloys, making it suited for rapid prototyping and
repair of small metal components. It features a 100cubic-mm (64-cubic-inch) work envelope within a Class
1 laser enclosure, a 400-W fber laser, powder feeder,
motion control system and process control software.
optomec.com
Stratasys to Acquire MakerBot
3D Systems to Acquire Phenix Systems
Stratasys has signed an agreement to merge MakerBot, a
maker of desktop 3D printers, with a Stratasys subsidiary
in a stock-for-stock transaction. Upon completion of the
deal, which is expected in the third quarter of this year,
MakerBot will operate as a separate subsidiary, maintaining
its own identity, products and go-to-market strategy.
Since it was founded in 2009, Brooklyn,
N.Y.-based MakerBot
has sold more than
22,000 3D printers,
including 11,000 of its
Replicator 2 desktop
printer within the last
year. MakerBot reports
that during the frst
quarter of 2013, it generated $11.5 million in total revenue, compared with $15.7
million for all of 2012.
The merger has an initial value of $403 million based
on Stratasys' closing stock price of $84.60 as of June 19.
3D Systems has signed agreements to acquire about 80
percent of Phenix Systems, a provider of direct metal
selective laser sintering 3D printers based in Riom, France.
The deal was expected to close in July, and, after
closing conditions are met, 3D Systems intends to launch
a take-over bid on the remaining 20 percent of Phenix
shares, which are listed on
the French stock market.
This will be followed by
a squeeze-out procedure should it reach 95
percent of the shares
or voting rights.
3D Systems also
has completed its
purchase of Geomagic
for $55 million in cash.
The company says it expects Geomagic to be accretive to earnings and contribute
about $17 million of revenue to its 2013 annual guidance.
3D Systems also acquired Rapidform last October.
stratasys.com / makerbot.com
3Dsystems.com / phenix-systems.com
ExOne, Vacuum Furnace Maker Offer Turn-key Printing Package
ExOne has teamed with Ipsen, a designer and manufacturer of industrial vacuum furnaces, to provide a turn-key 3D
printing package that the company says will enable customers to materialize new concepts, designs, prototypes and
production parts with virtually unlimited design complexity.
exone.com / ipsenusa.com
14— AM Supplement