Award-winning American 3D printer OEM 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions, a division of Switzerland-based manufacturing company Georg Fischer, have announced an expansion to their ongoing partnership. Both companies will bring their co-branded additive manufacturing systems to Greater China, in order to enhance the metal parts production in a region renowned for its manufacturing output.
The companies aim to help manufacturers in China and Taiwan efficiently produce complex metal parts with improved tolerances, while also reducing the total cost of operation. Therefore, as well as the co-branded additive manufacturing machines, customers in the region will also gain access to the joint expertise of 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions in additive manufacturing, precision machining and industrial automation.
“The Chinese and Taiwanese markets are known for global manufacturing leadership,” commented Herbert Koeck, executive vice president and general manager, global go to market, 3D Systems. “Manufacturers in this region are looking for ways to transform their production workflows in order to maintain their competitive position.”
“Our joint metal 3D printing solutions with GF Machining Solutions fit seamlessly into the traditional shop floor and are unmatched in the industry.”
3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions
GF Machining Solutions maintains a global presence in over 50 countries. The company develops and provides advanced automation and post-processing technologies and solutions for the tool, mold and die making industries. Its products range from electric discharge and milling machines to texturing systems, such as its AgieCharmilles LASER P 400 U system, a five-axis texturing machine for precision parts. This system uses two short pulsed lasers directed from an interior design studio to accurately engrave small metal components.
In August 2018, 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions first announced their strategic partnership. Their collaboration began with the development of a smart factory for optimizing the production of metal parts. Both companies worked together in creating new software for various subtractive and additive manufacturing methods to allow a seamless workflow within smart factories.
A month later, their collaboration progressed further with the unveiling of the DMP Factory 500, an industrial, automated metal 3D printing system with integrated subtractive manufacturing technology. Since then, 3D Systems has released further 3D printers in its DMP line, like the DMP Factory 350 and DMP Flex 350, that have been co-branded alongside GF Machining Solutions.
Providing metal 3D printing expertise in Greater China
Under the regionally expanded alliance between the two firms, manufacturers in China and Taiwan can now order the co-branded scalable DMP metal additive manufacturing systems exclusively through GF Machining Solutions.
Customers in the Greater China region will also be able to utilize GF Machining Solutions’ Customer Innovation Center (CIC) in Shanghai, which will house experts from 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions. Manufacturers can recieve their expertise and consultation, collaborating with them to develop materials, services, hardware and software applications for metal 3D printing.
Clients will also be able to benchmark and validate their parts against specifications, ensuring quality control. 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions hope to save the companies time and money, while also providing them with a faster time to market for their product. “We are delighted to enhance the support to our customers in the transition towards additive manufacturing, with our new Customer Innovation Center (CIC) in Shanghai and by a dedicated group of additive manufacturing experts,” added Laurent Castella, head of market region Asia, GF Machining Solutions.
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Featured image shows the DMP 500 Factory 3D printing system. Photo via 3D Systems.
