Prismadd Joins the French 3D Printing Scene

Three French companies have joined together to introduce Prismadd, an ambitious effort to integrate all aspects of metals and plastics additive manufacturing into a single production line. Their primary target is the aerospace industry, as evidenced by the choice of Montauban as the first site for production.

While Montauban is the second oldest fortified town in southern France, it is near Toulouse, a city renowned for its industrial production in aviation – most notably as the location for the home base of Airbus in the suburb of Blagnac. In addition, Montauban itself has been viewed by many as the next logical location for industries connected with this production as the real estate is significantly less expensive than in neighboring Toulouse.

The leaders of Prismadd are not stopping there. They have disclosed that there are plans for a second location to be announced sometime in the first half of 2015. As of now, the company has indicated it is looking for a site somewhere between Nantes and Saint-Nazaire. This is in keeping with their focus on aeronautics as it would place them close to the second biggest Airbus plant. Philippe Riviere, Associate Director for Prismadd, says that the company’s objective is to “provide comprehensive support that is fully integrated and in close proximity to contractors.”

The three companies that have come together to co-found Prismadd each bring a particular area of expertise that combine to give the new company a unique space in the French market. The first company, Creatix3D, is a consulting firm specializing in global solutions for 3D printing. They provide 3D Systems printers and consumables as well as simulation software and technological expertise.

The second company, Farella, specializing in the machining of parts and assemblies, adds to the mix its expertise in machining in terms of thermal treatment, non-destructive testing for post-production, and the area of finishing.

The third co-founding company is Rhonatec. Rhonatec is a provider of special materials for the aeronautics, space, defense, and nuclear industries and will be providing the powder for the metal alloys that will be used by Prismadd.

While their first two locations will be in France, the team has no plans to limit itself to the French borders. Pascal Farella, founder of the eponymous company and co-founder of Prismadd, described their venture’s ambition:

“We are proud to offer making that is made in France. We wish to extend our reach to international markets and thereby to also extend the influence of French craftsmanship well beyond our borders.”

Let us know your thoughts on this new endeavor in the Prismadd forum thread over at 3DPB.com.