By this point, no one can deny that the 3D printing industry is a dynamic hot-spot for businesses around the world. Activity in the whole 3D printing world is picking up with acquisitions, mergers, and joint ventures being announced at almost a dizzying pace. The latest big business 
move comes from 3DP Unlimited and its parent company, PBC Linear.
PBC Linear has recently announced a new joint venture with Moons’ Industries. The new venture was announced in November in Shanghai at the China International Industry Fair (CIIF). Moons’ Industries — the world’s fourth largest manufacturer of stepper motors, and one of China’s biggest integrated manufacturers of motion control products — and PBC Linear — which provides solu
tions and technologies for linear motion and bearing applications — have joined together to create the new PBC + Moons’ joint venture. PBC + Moons’ will bring together the specialties of its parent partners, developing and offering solutions for linear motion applications utilizing integrated mechatronics. The JV will have operations serving Asia, North America, and Europe.
“We’ve always been excited about what the future holds for 3DP Unlimited,” said John Good, PBC Linear’s Vice President of Sales. “The pedigree of PBC Linear, and our expertise in creating robust linear actuators, has always allowed 3DP Unlimited to create some of the highest quality 3D printers on the market. Now, our partnership with Moons’ will allow us to build upon that foundation, while streamlining complex design and engineering processes, as well as expose 3DP Unlimited printers to new markets around the world.”
The CEO of Moons’ Industries, James Chang (left) andCEO of PBC Linear, Robert Schroeder (right) announcing PBC + Moons’ to the media at the CIIF show in Shanghai
This new operation is set to bring together PBC’s expertise in linear motion and Moons’ 20-year world-class motors and controls experience. These technological processes are joining to streamline engineering, application, and design sensibilities. The venture will essentially create a one-stop shop for mechatronics solutions for linear motion, which will also enhance maintenance and control aspects. Per the companies’ press release, the goal of PBC + Moons’ is “to provide a global, simplified approach to integrated mechatronics for single-axis robot modules and multi-axis systems.”
PBC + Moons’ is also set to impact the 3D printing space through PBC Linear’s ownership of 3DP Unlimited. 3DP Unlimi
ted is the manufacturer of the 3DP1000, a 3D printer with a print area 74 times larger than the desktop 3D printer average. The open-platform printer was initially developed following PBC Linear’s experience with currently available 3D printers, which they found to be too small for their needs with inconsistent printing results. With more support now from their business family, 3DP Unlimited looks to be in pretty good shape to continue on with their work in 3D printing, complete with moving part support. The association to the new joint venture will also enable 3DP Unlimited to expand to new markets across the world, widening the reach of the 3DP1000.
The 3DP1000 3D printer on display at CIIF
Check out a video from PBC Linear describing PBC + Moons’ here. Let us know what you think about this new joint venture in the PBC + Moons’ forum thread at 3DPB.com.
