Siemens Ups Additive Manufacturing Investment

A 3D-printed burner component. Image: Siemens

As part of its expansion into the additive manufacturing market, in early August Siemens acquired a majority stake in UK additive manufacturing company Materials Solutions Ltd. The Worcester-based company specializes in selective laser melting (SLM) technology for manufacturing high-performance metal parts, including turbomachinery parts for high-temperature applications.

Last year, Siemens Venture Capital acquired a minority stake in the company. Financial details were not disclosed.

Materials Solutions manufacturers nickel super alloy components for gas turbines used in aeronautical engines, and steel and titanium components for aeronautics and motor sports applications. Siemens plans to leverage the company’s experience to introduce additive manufacturing to its large gas turbines and distributed power generation products.

“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,” said Willi Meixner, CEO of Siemens Power and Gas Division.

“We are very proud to become a part of Siemens,” said Carl Brancher, CEO of Materials Solutions. “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.”

Brancher will maintain a 15% stake in the company he founded in 2006.

Siemens opened a $23.8-million additive manufacturing production facility for metal parts in Sweden this February. The company also produced a 3D-printed burner component for its heavy-duty gas turbine that is operating at a power plant in the Czech Republic.

Source: Materials Solutions

About the Author

Brian Albright

Brian Albright is the editorial director of Digital Engineering and a contributor to Robotics 24/7.

Follow Robotics 24/7 on Facebook
Follow Robotics 24/7 on Linkedin

Email Sign Up

Get news, papers, media and research delivered

Stay up-to-date with news and resources you need to do your job. Research industry trends, compare companies and get market intelligence every week with Robotics 24/7. Subscribe to our robotics user email newsletter and we'll keep you informed and up-to-date.

Sign up today