Nexa3D to Acquire Essentium

Nexa3D, a polymer 3D printing systems maker, has signed a letter of intent to acquire Essentium, a manufacturer of HSE 3D printers and materials. "With this acquisition, Nexa3D would add high-speed extrusion (HSE) to its current product portfolio," according to the announcement.

Essentium is renowned for its broad materials portfolio, including the high-speed extrusion 3D printers and independent dual extruders (IDEX). The company states its solutions for complex polymer production applications are "5 to 15 times faster than competing extrusion technologies." The company says, "Using an X-Y stage with all linear servo motors, the HSE 180 3D Printer solves strength, speed, and scale issues that have historically limited additive manufacturing (AM)"

Both companies share a focus on polymer-based printing, creating synergy. In addition to printing systems, Essentium also offers 3D printing services under its Parts on Demand program. 

Nexa3D is widely known for its ultrafast 3D printers, ranging from desktop to the factory floor. Nexa3D has it has 1200 customers worldwide." Last November, Nexa3D announced Nexa AI software for its XiP Pro Industrial 3D Printer. "Until now, 3D printers have been able to create anything but learn nothing. We believe that Nexa AI will change this paradigm in a material way. The ability to incorporate the physics of the print process into the printer intelligence is a huge step forward in the understanding of every aspect of the way we create 3D printed parts," said Izhar Medalsy, Nexa3D’s Chief Technology Officer.

Avi Reichental, Cofounder, Chairman, and CEO of Nexa3D, said, “By joining forces with Essentium, we aim to create synergies that will deliver unmatched value to our customers. Together, we will drive ultrafast additive manufacturing innovation and provide even more powerful solutions for manufacturers seeking to achieve their production goals.” The acquisition is expected to close by the end of this calendar year or as soon as practicable afterwards, the companies state.

In its report titled "3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing 2024-2034: Technology and Market Outlook," market analyst IDTextEx writes, "The 3D printing market continues to innovate in new technological and material directions, even as market leaders look to consolidation as a way of achieving profitability." The report predicts "hardware and materials sales will lead the industry to US$49 billion market size in 2034."

Stratasys, another big name in the additive manufacturing (AM) space, became an acquisition target last year, receiving unsolicited offers from Nano Dimension and 3D Systems. So far, Stratasys's board has rejected all the offers, choosing to remain independent instead.