3D Systems Agrees to Acquire Additive Works to Expand Simulation Capabilities

3D Systems has signed an agreement to acquire software firm Additive Works GmbH in an effort to expand simulation capabilities for rapid optimization of industrial-scale 3D printing processes, according to company officials. The acquisition builds on 3D Systems’ introduction of 3DXpert additive manufacturing (AM)-workflow software in 2016, with Additive Works’ technology reportedly enabling widespread industrial adoption by AM generalists via simple-to-use software for rapid optimization of metal and nonmetal component designs. Such software is considered central to increasing productivity and improving as-printed product yield and performance.

Additive Works’ software allows a manufacturing engineer to rapidly determine optimum print setup, such as part orientation and support structures, as well as directly adapt the process setup for effective thermal management and distortion compensation. This automated simulation software reportedly interfaces seamlessly with CAD systems as well as 3DXpert and other print platforms. Integrating Additive Works’ simulation expertise into the 3D Systems software team will, according to company officials, enhance the company’s AM software portfolio and innovation capacity. This expertise includes Additive Works’ Amphyon for experts as well as the Amphyon plugin for CAD users—both of which will continue to be sold and supported as standalone offerings. 

This investment coincides with 3D Systems’ acquisition of Allevi, a Philadelphia, PA-based developer of bioprinting solutions comprising 3D bioprinters, biomaterials (also known as bioinks) and specialized laboratory software. The Allevi buy dovetails three years of development by 3D Systems of a regenerative medicine program, including a recently announced breakthrough. 

“We continue to deliver on our four-phase plan (reorganize, restructure, divest non-core assets and invest for accelerated growth) with an increasing focus on investing for accelerated growth and profitability,” says Dr. Jeffrey Graves, 3D Systems president and CEO, commenting on the acquisitions. “Through these investments, we are enriching our solutions portfolio to address a much broader healthcare market, including the extremely exciting market for regenerative medicine, while accelerating the adoption rate for AM across industrial applications.”

See also: 3D Systems

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