There are so many different applications of 3D printing that it’s hard to keep up with them all sometimes, which is why specialized companies are so important – and so successful. In terms of 3D printing for electronic components, Optomec is one of the most promising. The New Mexico-based company offers metal additive manufacturing systems, but they’ve really become known for their patented Aerosol Jet technology, which is used to print conductive elements such as sensors onto already-manufactured items.
Since receiving the patent for Aerosol Jet technology, Optomec has been busy spreading their distributorship across the world. Several new partnerships were solidified over the past year, making the company a well-established presence in Europe. Their latest partnership is with industrial 3D printing enabler Dragonfly. The Rome-based company will enable Optomec’s technology to expand into Italy.
“We are very excited about our partnership with Dragonfly to expand sales of Optomec products in Italy,” said Michael Kardos, Optomec Vice President of Worldwide Sales. “Dragonfly is solely focused on the Additive Manufacturing sector and a perfect fit for introducing innovative products such as our LENS and Aerosol Jet systems to an untapped marketplace in Italy. Their consultative approach and experienced team will help insure a successful customer base.”
The LENS series of printers is Optomec’s major line of metal additive manufacturing machines. Capable of printing with a wide range of metals including titanium, stainless steel, nickel, and cobalt, LENS printers have been used for heavy industrial applications in the aerospace, defense, and medical industries, among others. The Aerosol Jet technology is what really makes Optomec stand out, however, as it’s shown itself to be capable of producing things that no other technology has accomplished before – from artificial muscles to sensors the width of a human hair.
“Optomec is the world leading provider of additive manufacturing systems for high-performance applications. This is why we are very proud of this partnership,” said Claudio Giarda, Dragonfly CEO. “We are sure that the Italian market is ready to embrace Aerosol Jet Printed Electronics technology and LENS powered-metal fabrication technology. This perfectly completes Dragonfly’s offer and suits the current innovation needs for the development of new smart and connected products, as well as the demand for new industrial solutions to redefine how metal parts are produced, replaced and repaired.”
The 3D printing industry has been rapidly growing in Italy lately, and their embrace of innovative technology like Optomec’s shows that they are serious about keeping up with the fast-moving industry. As for Optomec, they’re gaining a strong hold on a number of industries, and it looks as though they’ll continue to grow. Discuss this story in the Aerosol 3D Printing forum on 3DPB.com.
