Carpenter Technology Corporation, a US-based producer of specialty alloys and metal powders has announced the acquisition of CalRAM, a specialist in powder-bed fusion additive manufacturing technologies.
Commenting on the purchase, Carpenter CEO Tony Thene said, “CalRAM’s proven expertise and strong customer relationships will accelerate and enhance our capabilities and will further strengthen our ability to be the preferred provider of end-to-end next generation additive manufacturing solutions.”
Capitalizing on additive manufacturing success
Philadelphia-based Carpenter, which acquired Titanium powder producer Puris in a $35 million deal last year, has continued to invest in additive manufacturing following a strong set of financial results in the second quarter of FY 2018.
During the 3 months of the period ending December FY 2018, Carpenter reported a revenue of $487.8m, up by $60.4m on the same period in FY 2017, a 13% increase that was driven in part by the performance of the company’s Performance Engineered Products (PEP) segment.
The PEP segment of Carpenter’s business produces metal wire for 3D printing, alongside highly engineered metal powders under Carpenter Powder Products (CPP).
These powders and wire are feedstock for metal additive manufacturing operations that produce jet-engine fuel nozzles, rocket-thrust chambers, and orthopedic implants.
Acquiring CalRAM’s manufacturing capability
CalRAM’s 25,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Camarillo, California, houses its powder manufacturing equipment together with Electron Beam Melting, Laser Sintering, and heat treatment finishing services to manufacture low volume parts on demand.
Explaining Carpenter’s decision to acquire a company that also offers manufacturing services alongside materials, CEO Tony Thene said:
“This strategic acquisition builds upon our existing additive manufacturing capabilities and provides direct entry into the rapidly expanding part production segment of the additive manufacturing value chain.”
“As additive manufacturing continues to evolve into more advanced components with increasing complexity, our customers are seeking partners who can not only produce parts, but also possess metallurgical expertise to help determine the best materials and processes to fit their needs in demanding applications,” Thene added.
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Featured image shows rolled tubes of TI 6AL 4V grade 5 titanium, the material in powdered production by Carpenter Technology. Photo via Carpenter.
