3D Systems Revises Software Strategy

After a detailed strategic review of its major software platforms, 3D Systems has decided to focus development efforts on its primary polymer solution, 3D Sprint, in response to the potential impact of artificial intelligence on additive manufacturing.

As part of this strategic focus, the company plans to divest the following software platforms: Oqton Manufacturing Operating System (MOS) and 3DXpert metal printing platforms. These platforms are, by design, agnostic to the printer manufacturer and built to support large, mixed fleets of printers in a manufacturing environment. 

Under 3D Systems’ ownership, both Oqton MOS and 3DXpert have been offered as printer-agnostic platforms, not confined to 3D Systems’ metal printers, to global OEMs and customers, 3D Systems explains. Transitioning these solutions to an independent software developer is expected to further accelerate OEM adoption of additive manufacturing and foster the standardization needed to advance manufacturing for metal printing, 3D Systems reports. 

Hubb Global Holdings, a strategic investment group led by principals Steve Lokam and Kalyan Yenneti, signed a definitive agreement to acquire these assets. The transaction is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2025.  Highlands Capital Advisors acted as the exclusive buyside advisor to Hubb Global Holdings through the transaction.

Like it has under 3D Systems’ ownership, Oqton MOS will operate under Hubb Global Holdings as an independent provider of printer-agnostic enterprise software that will enable integration of metal additive manufacturing into customers’ factories. The same approach will be taken with 3DXpert, whether incorporated into the Oqton MOS or provided as a standalone platform. 

3D Systems says it will partner with Hubb Global Holdings in support of its mission, incorporating 3DXpert into the company’s expanding metal solution portfolio and focusing on the development of new component applications enabled by this software.

"We believe it’s critical to continue to invest in R&D to drive innovation in all elements of our solutions—focusing these investments where they can make the biggest impact for our customers and shareholders,”  says Dr. Jeffrey Graves, president and CEO of 3D Systems. “By concentrating our internal software development resources on advancing 3D Sprint, and continuing to support our unique application development across both polymer and metal printing solutions, with the later utilizing the 3DXpert platform that will continue to evolve under Hubb Global Holdings’ ownership, we can best leverage both of these market-leading software systems to solve the most critical customer needs in both polymer and metal solutions.”

Graves continues, “In addition, we are confident that, with the backing of Hubb Global Holdings, Oqton MOS will continue on its path to become the Manufacturing OS of choice for 3D printing, and that 3DXpert will expand upon the unmatched technical foundation it has established with customers, and several other OEMs alike. This transaction enables 3D Systems to be well-positioned for the future, with a comprehensive solution portfolio to support high reliability customers in production environments, supported by a sustainable R&D investment strategy for the future.” 

More on 3DXpert and Oqton MOS

After years of development by 3D Systems, 3DXpert is recognized for its use in advanced metal printing applications.  Oqton MOS is an advanced operating system designed to manage complete workflows for additive component printing, from raw material to finished part, including the integration of automation and inspection capabilities. Oqton’s capabilities have been demonstrated in several customer facilities across the U.S., Europe and the Middle East.  Oqton integrates the 3DXpert platform into its workflow, ensuring interoperability.  By spinning off these software platforms to an independent party, an industrywide focus can be maintained and growth accelerated, according to 3D Systems.

More on 3D Systems Polymer Software, 3D Sprint

3D Systems will concentrate its R&D efforts on advancing 3D Sprint, its AM software platform that powers the Company’s polymer 3D printing platforms. 3D Sprint is architected for design-file preparation and process optimization. 3D Systems intends to continue expanding 3D Sprint’s capabilities by leveraging artificial intelligence and automation.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.