GF partners with 3D printing maker

The partnership includes the development of a new generation of 3D printing solutions. It will combine 3D Systems’ metals additive manufacturing expertise with GF Machining Solutions’ subtractive metal manufacturing expertise which enables more seamless and efficient workflow solutions through integration of 3D printers, materials, software and electrical discharge machining (EDM) as well as milling and laser equipment. This is designed to meet the customers’ needs to produce complex metal parts within tight tolerances at a lower total cost of operation.

The launch of this partnership is foreseen for this year’s IMTS exhibition (International Manufacturing Technology Show), taking place in September in Chicago (USA). It is expected to include the unveiling of a new and commonly developed additive manufacturing machine. Further combined solutions, which will be distributed over both sales networks, will follow over the next few years.

“We are excited about this new partnership of two industrial leaders”, GF CEO Yves Serra stated. “With the combined experience and expertise of 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions we are well positioned to bring to our customers new manufacturing solutions based on 3D printing.”

“The 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions partnership brings together two customer-centric innovators to redefine metals manufacturing,” says Vyomesh Joshi, president and chief executive officer, 3D Systems. “As industry leaders, both companies share the same vision for transforming manufacturing. We are looking forward to delivering integrated technology solutions to elevate the customer’s processes and provide significant competitive advantage through reduced production time, faster time to part, and overall lower total cost of operation.”

3D Systems was co-founded by the 3D printing inventor Charles “Chuck” Hull in 1986. The New York Stock Exchange listed company (NYSE: DDD), based in Rock Hill, South Carolina (USA), is an innovator of 3D solutions. It has spent its 30-year history enabling professionals and companies to optimize their designs, transform their workflows, bring groundbreaking products to market and drive new business models. 3D Systems’ products and services address a variety of advanced applications – ranging from Aerospace, Automotive, and Consumer Goods to Medical, Dental, and Jewelry.

GF Machining Solutions provides machine tools, automation solutions and customer services for the production of molds, dies and high value-added metal parts. The division has manufacturing facilities in Switzerland, Sweden, China and in the USA, and serves its customers in more than 50 countries.