Precision components and systems manufacturer Schaeffler Group has successfully acquired Aerosint SA, a Belgian recoater system developer, from Massachusetts-based metal 3D printer manufacturer Desktop Metal. Aerosint, founded in 2016, boasts patented Selective Powder Deposition (SDP) technology, allowing simultaneous 3D printing of multiple materials, optimising powder efficiency, cost, and part throughput. Schaeffler Group aims to strengthen its position in the additive manufacturing industry through this acquisition.

As part of the deal, Aerosint SA will be rebranded as "Schaeffler Aerosint SA" and integrated into Schaeffler Group as an additional location for Schaeffler Special Machinery. Financial details of the transaction between Desktop Metal and Schaeffler Group remain undisclosed.

Andreas Schick, Chief Operating Officer at Schaeffler AG, expressed optimism about the acquisition, highlighting its significance in advancing metal-based additive manufacturing processes for Industry 4.0. He stated, ?Schaeffler Aerosint SA offers the first industrial solution for simultaneous, metallic multi-material printing. This expertise, combined with our high level of industrialisation competence and decades of know-how in innovative production technologies, will give us a decisive market advantage.?

Schaeffler Group has also confirmed its ongoing collaboration with Desktop Metal in the realm of multi-material 3D printing, particularly focusing on tool less manufacturing technologies. Ric Fulop, Founder and CEO of Desktop Metal, emphasised the partnership's value, stating, ?With Schaeffler, we have an international partner with a high level of technology expertise and a clear roadmap for commercialising the SPD technology with laser-based systems. We will continue to collaborate on the various possibilities for using this technology in Desktop Metal binder jetting systems in the future.?

Source: 3dprintingindustry