Siemens invests further in 3D manufacturing

Siemens has acquired a vast 85 percent stake of Materials Solutions Ltd., which is a world leader in additive manufacturing.

The manufacturing company, based in Worcester, UK, is a pioneer of the selective laser melting technology that has revolutionised the manufacture of high-performance metal parts. Materials Solutions specialises in turbomachinery parts, in particular high temperature applications for gas turbines. Siemens Venture Capital acquired a much smaller stake - 14 percent - in the small British business.

Willi Meixner, CEO of Siemens Power and Gas Division, said: "With the acquisition of Materials Solutions, we are able to secure world-leading expertise in materials and AM process development with focus on high-temperature super alloys. The company's strength is to turn models into high quality components in record time. Clearly Materials Solutions fits perfectly within our vision for growth and application of advanced technologies within our Power & Gas portfolio."

Carl Brancher, CEO of Materials Solution and owner of the remaining 15 percent, added: "We are very proud to become a part of Siemens. I am sure our know-how and experience will make a significant contribution to Siemens' additive manufacturing strategy. Materials Solutions is developing the applications know-how and a supply chain for the world's most advanced engineering companies – delivering processes and precision parts from 3D CAD models, using software, lasers and metal powders."

Since the rise of AM, Siemens has been investing in the technology and is now driving towards industrialisation and commercialisation. Additive manufacturing is a process that builds parts layer-by-layer from sliced CAD models to form solid objects. Fibre lasers are now available with enough power to melt high performance metal alloys to manufacture gas turbine or jet engine parts. 

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