Acquisitions & Partnerships Metal Additive Manufacturing

3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions extend partnership for Greater China region

Tess Boissonneault August 12, 2019

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3D Systems GF Machining Solutions Greater China — 3D Systems' DMP Factory 500 solution

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Since first partnering last year with the intention of delivering a new concept for the Factory of the Future, 3D Systems and precision manufacturing expert GF Machining Solutions, a division of Georg Fischer AG, have announced a extended partnership agreement through which they will focus on the Greater China region. The new agreement will reportedly enable customers in the region to enhance their metal parts production and “redefine their manufacturing environments.”

The extended partnership officially came into effect on August 1st, giving manufacturers in China and Taiwan the opportunity to order 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions’ co-branded scalable metal additive manufacturing solutions (including the DMP Factory 500, the DMP Factory 350 and DMP Flex 350) exclusively through GF Machining Solutions.

The co-branded manufacturing solutions integrate components from both traditional and additive manufacturing approaches, including software for enhanced part design, 3D printers, materials, electrical discharge machining (EDM), milling equipment, advanced post-processing technologies and services. The integrated production solutions are designed to enable improved manufacturing workflows, lower production costs and overall more effiency.

“The Chinese and Taiwanese markets are known for global manufacturing leadership,” commented Herbert Koeck, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Global go to Market, 3D Systems. “Manufacturers in this region are looking for ways to transform their production workflows in order to maintain their competitive position. Our joint metal 3D printing solutions with GF Machining Solutions fit seamlessly into the traditional shop floor and are unmatched in the industry.”

The joint initiative will also give customers in the Greater China area access to GF Machining Solutions’ Customer Innovation Center (CIC) in Shanghai, providing the opportunity to consult and collaborate with experts from both 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions in order to pioneer new applications for metal AM.

Additionally, by working with the CIC in Shanghai, Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturers will be able to benchmark parts and products and validate them for specific applications. 3D System and GF Machining Solutions say this capability will enable their customers to achieve faster time-to-market turnarounds and cost savings.

“China and Taiwan are strategic key markets for GF Machining Solutions where we support our customers with an organization of more than 350 direct application, service and sales personal,” added Laurent Castella, Head of Market Region Asia at GF Machining Solutions. “We are delighted to enhance the support to our customers in the transition towards additive manufacturing, with our new Customer Innovation Center (CIC) in Shanghai and by a dedicated group of additive manufacturing experts.”