Since its 2020 IPO, Desktop Metal (NYSE: DM) has been growing quickly, making three acquisitions already so far in 2021. After polymer pioneer EnvisionTEC and wood 3D printing startup Forust, Desktop Metal has purchased resin manufacturer Adaptive3D.
Spun out of research from the University of Texas at Dallas with core technology developed by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) funding, Adaptive3D received investments from Covestro, Arkema Group, West Pharmaceuticals, Applied Ventures, and Royal DSM. Needless to say, a number of experts have already validated the startup’s materials and potential. This includes Adaptive3D’s Elastic ToughRubber 90, a tough elastomer resin with high tear strength and elongation at break.
“The acquisition of Adaptive3D advances Desktop Metal’s vertical integration strategy to grow our portfolio of materials and expand the high-volume applications supported by our polymer additive manufacturing solutions,” said Ric Fulop, Founder and CEO of Desktop Metal. “Elastomers and rubber materials are a killer app for Additive Manufacturing 2.0 (AM 2.0). Adaptive3D has the best photoelastomer resins in the world. Combining Adaptive3D’s patented and superior elastomer materials with our printers, such as the Xtreme 8K, which lead the industry in throughput, affordability, and part quality, will accelerate the adoption of additively manufactured solutions for high-volume, end-use elastomeric parts and products.”
The acquisition is meant to strengthen Desktop Metal’s already substantial role in photopolymer 3D printing, driven by its subsidiary EnvisionTEC. Adaptive3D had partnered with the inventor of digital light processing (DLP) to see its photoelastomers 3D printed on EnvisionTEC machines, including the Xtreme 8K, meant for wide-area 3D printing. Together, it’s possible to 3D print large volumes of parts made from polyurethane-like, silicone-like, and rubber-like materials.
“We are thrilled to partner with Desktop Metal to enable additive manufacturing through our differentiated materials,” said Dr. Walter Voit, Founder and CEO of Adaptive3D. “This acquisition extends our already strong partnership with EnvisionTEC, enabling us to accelerate our growth into the $129 billion1 elastomer and flexible foams market just waiting for high-volume, additive manufacturing elastomer capabilities.”
This expands the company’s existing materials portfolio, which already consists of more than 225 qualified materials, including metals, composites, ceramics, biocompatible materials, polymers, and wood. It would seem, then, that Desktop Metal is looking to create the most diverse materials portfolio on the market. Will we see concrete and sand next? Or maybe Desktop Metal will finally enable the roll out of EnvisionTEC’s large-scale composite 3D printer.
Walter Voit will continue to lead Adaptive3D from its headquarters in Plano, Texas, where it will act as a wholly owned subsidiary of Desktop Metal.
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
You May Also Like
SWISSto12 Receives €30M to Make ESA Satellite with 3D Printing
SWISSto12 has a wonderful niche in making waveguides and other optimized satellite components with 3D printing, securing it deals to make satellite components for Lockheed and antennas with the European...
China’s SpaceX 3D Prints over 30 Parts for Rocket Engine
In an effort to become China’s SpaceX, Galactic Energy has raised over $188 million in its Series B round and has now commissioned service bureau Falcontech to 3D print over...
2023 Dream 3D Printing Mergers and Acquisitions: Will Apple Buy…?
2022 saw far fewer mergers and acquisitions, as well as initial public offerings, than the cash-flush year before. However, this year’s drought may mean next year’s glut, as inflation slows...
3D Printing News Unpeeled: LocLab and Hexagon, SpaceTech and Glowscape
eSoutheast University (SEU) Nanjing and ETH Zurich have made Glowscape this is a large format Kuka robot 3D print using Natureworks Ingeoe PLA pellets. The interactive lit piece uses its translucency...
Print Services
Upload your 3D Models and get them printed quickly and efficiently.