02-23-2022: 3D Systems acquired Kumovis and Titan Additive
It marked 3D Systems' return to thermoplastic extrusion technology after several years
On February 23, 2022, 3D Systems announced two acquisitions: Kumovis, a German manufacturer of FDM/FFF 3D printers specialized in medical applications using PEEK, and Titan Additive, a U.S. manufacturer of hybrid machines that combine 3D printing with filament or granulate extrusion and CNC machining. Beyond the fact that both acquisitions were announced on the same day, what was particularly intriguing was that 3D Systems was returning to FDM/FFF technology, which it had abandoned in 2015.
Kumovis’ solutions focused on 3D printing high-performance medical-grade polymers such as PEEK. This material is commonly used for implants and surgical instruments due to its lightweight properties, resistance to thermal and ionizing radiation, and mechanical characteristics similar to human bone. Through this acquisition, 3D Systems expanded its VSP solutions to include PEEK implant production, as well as 3D printing of anatomical models and surgical guides, providing a comprehensive solution that could be bundled for customers.
The second acquisition involved Titan Additive LLC (Titan Robotics), a manufacturer of large-format 3D printers capable of producing polymer parts using filament and granulate. Titan was also the only manufacturer offering hybrid toolhead configurations. Its systems provided high flexibility in selecting the most suitable manufacturing method for specific applications. The machines featured heated build chambers that could be scaled from 75 x 75 x 110 cm up to 125 x 125 x 180 cm.
Historically, 3D Systems has always been associated with photopolymer and powder-based technologies (it is the inventor of SLA). Between 2011 and 2015, the company became heavily invested in low-cost FDM/FFF 3D printers, first acquiring BitsFromBytes and later developing the Cubify brand. Despite massive marketing efforts (by 3D printing standards), the concept ultimately failed. After the departure of then-CEO Avi Reichental, 3D Systems shifted its focus back to strictly industrial solutions.
These acquisitions marked the company’s first attempt in six years to re-enter the market for thermoplastic extrusion-based 3D printing systems. Currently, 3D Systems offers four systems in the EXT series: industrial-grade EXT 800, 1070, and 1270 Titan Pellet, as well as the medical-focused EXT 220 MED.
Source: www.3dsystems.com & www.3dsystems.com
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