May 7, 2014
The Germany-based industrial laser and machine tool company Trumpf Group has decided to re-enter the additive manufacturing sector. Trumpf has announced a joint venture with Italy's largest laser manufacturer, Sisma S.p.A., to to co-develop latest-generation production systems for the 3D printing of metal components.
Called Trumpf Sisma, the joint venture is based in Piovene Rocchette, near Vicenza in Italy. Trumpf takes a 55-percent share in the new company while SISMA has a 45-percent stake.
Generative manufacturing: Laser deposition welding on a workpiece. Photo: TRUMPF
Trumpf entered the additive manufacturing sector as a pioneer back in the year 2000. The company developed "TrumaForm", a universal tool for the generative manufacturing of metallic materials. Trumpf believes the TrumaForm was years ahead of its time because the market for serial production of components had not yet developed.
At the start of this year TRUMPF re-entered the additive manufacturing business again. It appears the new company is now benefiting from the results of earlier development work, as well as the experiences from its Italian partner.
Several years ago SISMA begin work on developing an additive manufacturing machine for the production of small metallic components - and now the Italian company is bringing this expertise to the joint venture. With annual sales of 33 million Euro and around 1000 laser devices sold each year, SISMA is said to be the biggest laser manufacturer in Italy.
SISMA has around 130 employees and its target markets are primarily jewelry, fashion, dental and industry, all of which are also the market for 3D printing.
The headquarters of SISMA S.p.A. in Piovene Rocchette. Photo: TRUMPF
The two companies want to provide robust and productive machines for mass production.
"Many machines on the market today are aimed more at prototype construction," explains Dr. Peter Leibinger, head of TRUMPF Laser Technology. "In the future, however, the most important criterion where additive manufacturing lines are concerned will be their suitability for industrial applications."
TRUMPF was founded in 1923 as a mechanical workshop, and today it is one of the world's leading companies in production and medical technology. The company has around 9925 employees and achieved sales of €2.34 billion in 2012/13.
Posted in 3D Printing Company
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