3D Systems enters SLS distribution partnership with Wematter

3D Systems has entered a partnership with Wematter, a Swedish 3D printer manufacturer, that will broaden 3D Systems’ Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) portfolio. Wematter designed and introduced the Wematter Gravity in 2020, which brought an affordable, turnkey SLS solution to the market in the EMEA region. Through this partnership, 3D Systems will become the exclusive worldwide distributor of the Gravity –  helping Wematter expand its total market.

The Wematter Gravity was designed to make additive manufacturing accessible in smaller environments. The machine has a small footprint of 700mm x 700mm x 1500mm, and a build volume that is more than 300% larger (300mm x 300mm x 300mm) than comparable solutions, and can complete an entire job in 24 hours or less. The Gravity is CE-certified for use in offices, hospitals, and research laboratories – to manufacture production parts for a breadth of applications including automotive, consumer goods, and durable medical equipment.

The Gravity only requires a standard power source and an ethernet connection – which enables plug-and-play installation and can be operational in less than an hour from delivery. This is facilitated by the simple interface which guides the user through the set-up and print process. The unique powder handling system maintains a closed loop, which ensures that there are no toxic fumes. In addition to this, the system facilitates the recycling of unused powder for multiple cycles. The Gravity is connected to the Cloud, so users can start and monitor print jobs remotely. The cloud-based connection also facilitates proactive and preventative maintenance to maximize uptime and productivity.

“3D Systems has long been renowned for its polymer 3D printing technology portfolio,” said Dr. Jeffrey Graves, President, and CEO, of 3D Systems. “Our SLS platforms in particular allow our customers to expand their manufacturing capabilities with production-grade nylon materials to produce tough, functional complex parts with excellent surface finish, resolution, accuracy, repeatability, and low total cost of operations. Through our partnership with Wematter, we’ll now be able to offer an expanded portfolio with a platform at a more affordable price point. The simple, elegant design of the Gravity allows it to be incorporated into a variety of environments without the need for deep technology expertise or special facilities considerations. I believe this will enable a new category of manufacturers to take advantage of the benefits of additive manufacturing to transform their businesses and accelerate innovation.”

“Through our partnership with 3D Systems, this platform will be available and serviced globally through a well-known, established brand in this market. This will transform Wematter into a relevant global market player in the niche of affordable and accessible SLS solutions. I look forward to bringing this technology to the market together and creating new opportunities for customers that have been asking for such a solution for a long time,” said Robert Kniola, President of Wematter.

The Wematter Gravity is currently available in EMEA, with planned availability in the Americas and Asia Pacific regions for the second quarter of 2023.