SYS Systems, a UK-based provider of additive manufacturing technologies and services and part of the Carfulan Group, has received “Number 1 Partner Status” across Europe, the Middle East and Africa from Stratasys, a manufacturer of industrial 3D printing systems. The designation follows a reported 20% increase in 3D printing hardware sales and comes as SYS Systems recorded more than £4 million in revenue from its additive manufacturing solutions.
Carfulan Group’s Derby-based division supplies industrial 3D printing equipment to organisations operating in twelve industries across the United Kingdom and Ireland. More than 25 technologies offered include fused deposition modelling, PolyJet, P3, SAF, and medical 3D printers. Since beginning its partnership with Stratasys in 2009, SYS Systems has deployed these systems in projects involving rapid prototyping, medical modelling, and low- to medium-volume manufacturing. Aerospace, defence, education, and dentistry are among the sectors using the equipment. Company statements attribute the partner recognition to sales growth combined with customer service and technical expertise.
Matt Fulton, joint Managing Director at SYS Systems, linked the award to the long-running collaboration with the 3D printer manufacturer. “We have represented Stratasys since 2009, so to achieve this global recognition means the world to our business. It’s a real testament to the knowledge and commitment of our amazing team,” he said. Fulton also pointed to the ongoing development of new materials and systems. “The 3D printing giant spends $multimillion on R&D, bringing out new products and materials that – through our business and contacts – are helping UK and Irish manufacturers push the boundaries of innovation.” Fulton added that the distinction “will hopefully raise awareness among other companies to come and partner with us on their manufacturing journey.”
Operations run from a £2.5 million Advanced Innovation Centre near Derby. SYS Systems says these systems allow customers to design, refine, iterate, create, and manufacture components during development and production. According to the company, its engineering team brings together one hundred years of combined additive manufacturing experience and works with organisations to identify cases where 3D printing can reduce cost and time. Dental laboratories have been a recent area of activity, supported by the use of the J5 DentaJet printer and TrueDent CE-marked resin.
Chris Fulton, who runs SYS Systems alongside his brother Matt, said additional capabilities are planned for 2026. “2026 is going to be another defining year for 3D printing, and we’re leading the curve by introducing new materials and new advancements,” he said. Planned additions include systems capable of producing metal and ceramic parts alongside the company’s existing polymer technologies. Fulton said those machines “should reduce barriers to AM adoption by delivering solutions ideal for end-use applications that need to be metallic for strength, conductivity and heat resistance.”
MACH 2026, scheduled for April 20–24, will mark the first public presentation of the expanded portfolio. SYS Systems said it will display the new capabilities at the event and show parts produced using Stratasys P3 Silicone 25a material. The company plans to exhibit at MACH on Stand E230.
Further details are available on the company’s website.
3D printing growth shifts away from hardware sales
Industry data indicates additive manufacturing continues to expand while revenue sources evolve. The Wohlers Report 2026 executive summary, published by market intelligence firm Wohlers Associates with ASTM International, shows global AM revenue reaching $24.2 billion in 2025, an increase of 10.9% year over year. Printing services generated $11.7 billion and expanded 15.5%, accounting for the largest share of industry revenue. Hardware sales and servicing reached $6.2 billion with growth of 3.6%, while materials produced $4.9 billion and software $1.4 billion. End-use part production now represents 39.8% of applications among surveyed users. Returns remain uneven, with 39% of end users reporting consistent positive returns and 36% seeing returns only on selected projects. Material qualification continues to limit adoption, cited by 61% of respondents, alongside cost pressures tied to capital expenditure and operations.
Separate market analysis from CONTEXT shows the hardware segment diverging across price tiers. Global 3D printer hardware revenues rose 5% year over year in the third quarter of 2025, though growth concentrated at the lowest and highest ends of the market. Entry-level systems priced at $2,500 or below recorded shipment growth of 18%, while industrial machines priced above $100,000 returned to growth with shipments rising 3%. Midrange systems priced between $20,000 and $100,000 declined 13%, and professional systems between $2,500 and $20,000 fell 14%. Metal powder bed fusion platforms expanded within the industrial category, with shipments increasing 25% year over year, driven largely by demand linked to aerospace and domestic manufacturing in China. Market expectations point to continued single-digit growth near term, with broader recovery depending on improved access to capital.
3D Printing Industry is inviting speakers for its 2026 Additive Manufacturing Applications (AMA) series, covering Energy, Healthcare, Automotive and Mobility, Aerospace, Space and Defense, and Software. Each online event focuses on real production deployments, qualification, and supply chain integration. Practitioners interested in contributing can complete the call for speakers form here.
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Featured photo shows Chris Fulton, Managing Director at SYS Systems. Photo via SYS Systems.
