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Materialise, a provider of 3D printing solutions, acquired an option to buy Link3D, an additive workflow and manufacturing execution systems company. The acquisition would extend Materialise’s ability to help companies control their manufacturing floors as they scale up their additive manufacturing capability into volume production.
The acquisition will also allow Materialise to accelerate its roadmap to offer cloud-based access to its integrated software platform. It also is expected to broaden Materialise’s customer base across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
Link3D provides a suite of applications for customers in medical and other highly regulated industries. These customers are expected to benefit from seamless access to Materialise’s Magics 3D print suite for AM part preparation, automation and production optimization, but also broad 3D printer connectivity and automated workflows.
“By joining forces with Link3D, we expect to be even better positioned to provide our customers with a solution to plan, manage and optimize their AM operations,” said Fried Vancraen, CEO of Materialise. “This agreement exploits the synergy between the two companies and will help us to remove some of the complexity associated with scaling 3D printing as part of a connected manufacturing process.”
Link3D will continue to be managed by its existing management team. Materialise expects to exercise the option before the end of the year.
Materialise offers software and service solutions for joint replacements, osteotomies, distractions and CMF reconstructions, and in certain regions provides customized, 3D-printed implants.
