ExOne Expands Operations Through Acquisitions

Despite the fact that additive manufacturing (AM) isn’t really a new market, the business side of the technology is still maturing. Part of that maturing process is company growth, either through the construction of new facilities, expansion of current facilities, or through acquisitions. For most companies, this is a gradual process, though there are some exceptions.

ExOne launched a $75 million IPO last January to expand its productions, pay off a $9.6 million line of credit and retain a $3 million lease on production equipment. With the IPO a year in the past, it looks as though the company is using some of the investment revenue to pursue additional resources. ExOne has announced the acquisition of Gesellschaft für Industrielle Mikrowellentechnik mbH (MWT) for $4.8 million and Machin-A-Mation for around $5 million.

“We believe that vertically integrating the processes surrounding additive manufacturing will help to accelerate the adoption cycle for 3D printing in the industrial market place,” said David Burns, president and CEO of ExOne. “These acquisitions represent critical post-print processes that are components of the 3D printing value chain.”

Located in Elz, Germany, MWT developed a successful method of using microwaves to ensure a finished core was completely dry. According to MWT, the microwave process only requires 25% of the energy used by hot air ovens, and completes the drying process more quickly. The appeal to ExOne with its range of 3D sand productions systems is fairly obvious, and further cements the company’s ability to act as a service bureau by increasing production potential.

Machin-A-Mation, located in Chesterfield, MI, has been in operation since 1976 and is a full service CNC turning and milling company. The company produces (or helps to produce) a number of items including torque shafts, components for plastic injection machining, aerospace components, piston housings, and drive shafts. Machin-A-Mation will remain at its existing location, serving as a finishing house for completed products, and continuing to serve existing customers.

“In the manufacture of precision parts, there are several steps to completion,” added Burns. “Machin-A-Mation’s specialty precision machining expertise helps us address the finishing requirements for complex parts which are cast from our 3D printed sand molds.  The addition of the capabilities of both MWT and Machin-A-Mation enable us to better satisfy the needs of our growing industrial customer base in a more comprehensive manner.”

Below you’ll find a video about ExOne’s metal printing process.

Source: ExOne