In a two-pronged announcement that is all about 3D printing, industrial tool and equipment manufacturer OK International has made itself visible on the 3D printing landscape. Based in Garden Grove, California, OK International swells the growing ranks of 3D printer vendors based in this region.
Having revealed its own brand of “benchtop” and industrial 3D printers — Quant 3D — due for release in around three weeks (at time of writing, it is specifically 21 days, 13 hours, 43 minutes and 33 seconds), OK International also announced Monday that it has closed on a minority investment and product development agreement with Chinese 3D printing company TierTime Technology Co. TierTime Technology is probably more recognizable under the name of its subsidiary — PP3DP, which manufactures the UP! range of desktop 3D printers, and licenses its technology in the US to Afinia.
According to the company, OK International’s investment in TierTime aligns with its strategic focus to develop innovative and industry leading products for the industrial and commercial manufacturing markets — which is probably why they are referring to the Quant 3D’s as benchtop 3D printers rather than desktop 3D printers. It’s subtle, but significant, I’d guess. Furthermore, the agreement between the two companies will also facilitate the co-development of a line of industrial 3D printers that are scheduled to be launched later this year.
“We are very excited about this investment in TierTime Technology, which represents OK International’s entrance into this rapidly growing segment, which some industry experts predict will grow 17% annually over the next several years,” said Christopher Larocca, President of OK International. “TierTime is a technology leader in the 3D printing market and provides a strong platform for our 3D printing business. By leveraging our expertise in thermal management and material dispensing, we intend to develop and market a broad line of industrial printers across multiple 3D printing technologies.”
The ticker countdown and the heavy presence of the Quant 3D brand on the OK International website suggests that they’re ready to go, but the company’s history suggests experience in manufacturing equipment, which is definitely in its favour. They’re up against some stiff competition both locally and further afield. Not least when HP joins the market in June …. sorry …. October …..!
