05-03-2011: Stratasys acquired Solidscape
A manufacturer of wax-based 3D printers for the jewelry and dental industries
On May 3, 2011, Stratasys announced the acquisition of Solidscape, Inc., a producer of high-precision 3D printers used primarily in investment casting applications. The company was acquired for $38 million, plus certain purchase price adjustments. Solidscape was regarded as a leader in the production of high-precision casting patterns, particularly in the jewelry, medical, dental, and industrial sectors, thanks to its technology that enabled the creation of finely detailed models with exceptionally smooth surfaces.
In 2010, Solidscape recorded revenues of $13.4 million and an EBITDA of $4.3 million, indicating both profitability and a well-established market position. Stratasys, which at the time—alongside 3D Systems—was a dominant player in the additive manufacturing industry, viewed the acquisition as an opportunity to expand into underdeveloped segments such as jewelry, medicine, and industry, while also reinforcing its strategy around direct digital manufacturing.
Following the acquisition, Solidscape remained a wholly owned subsidiary of Stratasys, maintaining its leadership and operational independence in New Hampshire. In Q3 2011, Solidscape generated $2.9 million in revenue and delivered 61 systems, although over the nine-month period it had a slightly negative impact on Stratasys’ net income.
In 2012, Stratasys merged with the Israeli company Objet, complicating the group’s structure and shifting focus toward FDM and PolyJet technologies. In 2016, after the resignation of then-CEO David Reis and the appointment of Ilan Levi as the new group CEO, Stratasys adopted a more centralized strategy, focusing on its core technologies. As a result, Solidscape was no longer considered a strategic priority.
Subsequently, on July 16, 2018, Stratasys sold Solidscape to the French Prodways Group, part of Groupe Gorgé, for an undisclosed amount. Unfortunately, in the following years, Solidscape’s market position gradually declined in favor of much cheaper—though not as refined—resin-based technologies such as SLA and UV LCD.
In 2024, the company was sold again to an undisclosed investor. At the Formnext trade fair in November 2024, Solidscape’s micro-booth was located within the stand of another 3D printer manufacturer – Asiga.
Source: www.stratasys.com
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