Binder jet 3D printer manufacturer ExOne has announced that it has acquired the assets of ‘AMClad’ tooling manufacturer Freshmade 3D. Using ExOne’s systems, the start-up has developed a patented method of rapidly 3D printing sand forms that yields durable tooling, at a cost reduction of 30-50%. Having purchased the rights to Freshmade 3D’s process, ExOne now aims to scale the technology to meet the needs of its clients in the aerospace, automotive, construction and energy sectors. “We are delighted to add Freshmade 3D’s patented process for creating durable 3D printed tooling to our portfolio,” said John Hartner, CEO of ExOne. ExOne has licensed a novel binder jetting process from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and worked with Ford to make a “Breakthrough” in 3D printing aluminum. With its acquisition of Freshmade 3D’s assets, ExOne is now taking a more forward approach, by directly purchasing the technology to ensure exclusive access. In the past, the technology has been used to develop strong-yet-smooth EPC materials, and within architectural 3D printing, but following its acquisition it’s now expected to be applied as a means of creating large industrial tooling. “We launched AMClad with the idea of using sand 3D printing technology to deliver hard tooling faster and with more design freedom,” added Rich Wetzel, Co-Founder of Freshmade 3D. “ExOne is the best company to accelerate this technology, as we scale up for customers who’ve decided to leverage our solution to meet production goals faster.” Fresh investment in the company has also allowed it to expand into the DLP 3D printing market, via the $300 million acquisition of EnvisionTEC. Another of ExOne’s competitors, voxeljet, has similarly reported reasons for financial optimism, including a backlog of nine 3D printer orders totalling some €6.8 million heading into FY 2021.

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