Nice story, Beth. You note that 3D Systems is on a buying spree. Are we seeing widespread consolidation in this market, or is this unique to 3D Systems? Also, where does this leave competition in this market?
Rob: There aren't a whole lot of major players in this segment. The bigs one are Stratasys, Objet, 3D Systems, EOS, and Z Corp, that I know of, and that's straddling both the high-end rapid prototyping sector of the market and the lower end office systems.
I don't think we can say that it's reached a level of consolidation, but 3D Systems, in particular, has been on a buying spree, snapping up niche technologies and smaller vendors. This deal is a pretty big one in this space and from what the players and pundits say, it's all about the company trying to create some scale to grow to the next level. Very interesting, to say the least!
Wow, that's big news in this market. Thanks, Beth, for a very clear analysis. It will be interesting to see what happens in the higher end of the industry I've been writing about (to be covered in a December feature), i.e., the engineering-oriented, low-volume manufacturing area. Similar forces may be at work, and certainly there are similar drivers in terms of size and resources.
What happens when 3D printing becomes commoditized? Aren't we almost at that point already, in which case consolidating around that technology per se wouldn't seem to be a sustainable strategy. Rather, one would have to broaden (or maybe deepen)?
I don't think we're at the commodization stage yet. I think there is tons of interest and the technologies are really coming together, but to take it to the next step, these companies need more R&D dollars, better reseller channels, and stronger alliances with software vendors like the CAD guys. That's what this particular acquisition is all about. To your point, Alex, the acquisition expands their market sectors, grows their reseller channels, and broadens their product line with new capabilities, particularly around color.
23 acquisitions in 2 years? Boy oh boy, those early adopters who saw their technical support consumed in this manner must have been rather nervous. To have your careful research be bought out, and the model you pick dropped in product-line consolidation would be disappointing to say the least.
A company may be trying to grow itself to the next level, but that rate is bound to alienate customers.
@TJ: I totally agree that consolidation at this rate can be alarming, especially to companies having coughed up big bucks for printers. But most of those acquisitions weren't on the scale of this most recent Z Corp purchase. They were much smaller--many more about picking up key technologies rather than adding new models to a printer line. And truthfully, to date, there has been little overlap between any of the product lines of all the acquired companies.
That said, you never know what changes an acquisition can bring, so I guess only time will tell.
Aside from more R&D dollars, better reseller channels, and stronger alliances with software vendors, I suspect the consolidations can also give vendors access to what's become a very wide range of available materials for the somewhat less wide range of available processes. So acquiring key technologies--manufacturing processes and materials--seems like it would also be a main driver.
With that many acquistions, I would guess some of the deals were made to grab marketshare and new customers. In those cases, the deal could be a big gain for the customer that now has a more robust entity as their 3D printer vendor.
While 3D systems inc. essentially invented the SLA, and has been the pioneer in the rapid prototyping arena, I did not realize Z-corp was a major player.I would have put Objet as a solid number 2, even postured to overtake 3D system due to their superior resolution alone. Those 2, (3D & Objet) are by far the best I’ve used. Thinking back, I don’t think I’ve EVER used a Z-corp printer.It sure will be interesting to see if the new merger places them solidly in the market in front of Objet for good.
By refining topologies and using new fluid technology, Moog's new peak sine drive controller increases available power without increasing controller volume.
Lantronix Inc. has expanded its line of controllers for sensor networks with the release of a rugged controller that improves management of automation systems used in a number of industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and chemicals.
Inspired by the hooks a parasitic worm uses to penetrate its host's intestines, the Karp Lab has invented a flexible adhesive patch covered with microneedles that adheres well to wet, soft tissues, but doesn't cause damage when removed.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
7 
