Traditional manufacturers and suppliers clearly see the value in additively manufactured parts. When a company like RTI International Metals, Inc. acquires a 3D printing company like Directed Manufacturing, Inc., you can get a feel for the deeper integration of 3D printing into the mainstream supply chain.
RTI has been supplying metal components to the aerospace, defense, energy and other industries for over sixty years, previously relying on traditional manufacturing techniques. With the acquisition of Directed Manufacturing, a metal and plastic 3D printing firm based in Texas, the company will add some finesse to their production capabilities. RTI Directed Manufacturing, Inc. will lead RTI’s Advanced Additive product line, where it will use titanium, nickel-chromium alloys, other metals and composite plastics for a number of applications. Directed Manufacturing, at the moment, already has some large aerospace customers and manufactures “aerospace airfoils, rakes, guide vanes and injection nozzles, complex fasteners, surgical tools, medical implants, injection mold inserts”, according to the company. With its Direct Metal Laser Sintering and Plastic Laser Sintering, Directed Manufacturing will provide RTI with an extensive product line to add to its repertoire.
The purchase of Directed Manufacturing was made with $23 million in cash. CEO of RTI, Dawne S. Hickton, explained how the acquisition will fit into the company’s operations:
We are very excited to welcome Directed Manufacturing to RTI. We believe its technology, track record of profitable commercial production, proven quality, performance and base of established customers immediately puts RTI at the forefront of Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing — the technology that is rapidly expanding its influence on global manufacturing. The growth potential for Additive Manufacturing solutions in RTI’s and Directed Manufacturing’s markets is truly exceptional. We look forward to maximizing the commercial opportunities that the new capabilities of our latest acquisition will generate, particularly on the most advanced new commercial aircraft and engine platforms, as well as medical device applications. We are also anxious to pursue opportunities with businesses in other market segments that are seeking the cost effectiveness of near-net-shape production that Directed Manufacturing’s 3D Printing capability delivers.
While the addition of Directed Manufacturing to RTI will greatly expand the company’s metal production abilities, this isn’t the company’s first venture into the world of 3D printing. RTI acted as one of the founding sponsors of NAMII, now America Makes, and has been researching the technology for over two years. Such research included a partnership with a large aerospace company on developing powder metal parts for advanced aircraft. In conjunction with Arcam’s order from an aerospace manufacturer and the project announcement from America Makes, 2014 is already looking to be the year that researching into industrial 3DP by traditional OEMs heats up and expands.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
