HP Acquires David Vision Systems GmbH & David 3D Solutions, Strengthening Immersive Sprout 3D Ecosystem

As HP thrust themselves into the 3D market with the immersive Sprout desktop solution, the announcement of massive reorganization, and the impending excitement of the multi-jet fusion 3D printer, speculation has abounded as to which company or companies they were most likely to acquire. It seemed logical in order to give them a leg up and gain an inventory of expertise and innovation that it would take them to years to build and proffer up into the marketplace profitably, otherwise.

Who would they buy out in order to pave a strategic path? With numerous companies within the industry that began as trailblazers but are now having less than stellar financial showings, it was thought they might have a deal in the works with perhaps one of the 3D printing manufacturing titans such as Stratasys or 3D Systems. With names being bandied about, and perhaps even a bit wildly, nothing has come to light. Until now.

HP has just announced that they will be acquiring the 3D hardware and software assets of German company David Vision Systems GmbH and David 3D Solutions. A company we’ve covered before in regards to their stellar technology, David would seem to be a perfect choice overall for furthering the Sprout ecosystem, and HP refers to them as an ‘essential enabler’ in terms of 3D scanning and forging ahead within the immersive PC market. For HP, this means taking possession of David’s scanning, stitching, and fusing solution—offering a future of ‘radical improvements in scan quality.’ It also means now having complete access to their wealth of scanning algorithms and automated calibration methods.

“Adding the David companies’ technology and capability strengthens our ability to create the world’s only end-to-end 3D ecosystem, from creation, to 3D on-ramp, to 3D print off-ramp via HP’s Jet Fusion Solution,” says HP. “The acquisition adds a robust, stable and production-ready solution, along with a rich software development platform to HP’s portfolio of technologies.”

And while details of the transaction have not been discussed, HP will be also welcoming the experienced David team on board, benefiting from their years of expertise as HP continues integrating the Sprout system into numerous sectors from design to research and development, education, healthcare, and other areas of industry. Featuring a user-friendly interface for all knowledge levels, designers are able to manipulate full color 3D models easily and then 3D print from the desktop or at a service bureau. We’ve also followed the ongoing collaboration for the Sprout system with the Dremel 3D printer.

“Together, HP will exceed the expectations of customers by building on David’s proven 3D scanning technology and solutions to continue evolving Sprout 3D Capture and its entire 3D ecosystem,” said HP in their news blog.

With hopes to move more rapidly into the desktop and scanning range, as well as expanding their customer base, the acquisition is meant to bring further excellence to Sprout technology as well as solidifying it further in the 3D printing arena.

DAVID Vision Systems GmbH, with roots in robotics, digital image analysis and 3D data processing, was founded in 2009 after spinning off from the Institute for Robotics and Process Control at TU-Braunschweig. Headquartered in Koblenz and Braunschweig, Germany, this hardware and software manufacturer has emphasized affordable solutions in the 3D scanning industry. They have also been involved in the production of cameras and other accessories like projectors. Discuss further in the HP Acquires David Vision & David 3D Solutions forum over at 3DPB.com.

One example of David 3D Systems scanning technology – the SLS-2 Structured Light 3D Scanner