3D Systems has inked a strategic partnership with Swedish 3D printer maker Wematter. Consequently, this will broaden 3D Systems’ Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) portfolio.

Wematter designed and introduced the Wematter Gravity in 2020 which brought an affordable, turnkey SLS solution to the market in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. Through this partnership, 3D Systems will become the exclusive worldwide distributor of the Gravity. Thus, helping Wematter expand its total market.

As the global distributor, 3D Systems will be able to reach additional customers with a high-reliability, affordable SLS solution for the production of end-use parts.

Offers Simple Interface Guide

The Wematter Gravity makes additive manufacturing accessible in smaller environments. In essence, the small footprint (0.7m x 0.7m x 1.5m) requires 3X less space. Yet, it has a build volume that is more than 300 percent larger (300mm x 300mm x 300mm) than comparable solutions. In addition, it can complete an entire job in 24 hours or less.

The Gravity comes CE-certified for use in offices, hospitals, and research laboratories to manufacture production parts for a breadth of applications including automotive, consumer goods, and durable medical equipment.

The Gravity only requires a standard power source and an ethernet connection which enables plug-and-play installation and can be operational in less than an hour from delivery. A simple interface guides the user through the set-up and print process.

The unique powder handling system maintains a closed loop, ensuring there are no toxic fumes. Furthermore, the system facilitates the recycling of unused powder for multiple cycles, which enables manufacturers to fully use the material and eliminate waste.

Because the Gravity connects to the Cloud, users can start and monitor print jobs remotely. Hence, helping them increase productivity and lowers the demand for resources. The cloud-based connection also facilitates proactive and preventative maintenance to maximize uptime and productivity.

Creates New Opportunities

“3D Systems has long been renowned for its polymer 3D printing technology portfolio,” said Dr. Jeffrey Graves, president and CEO, 3D Systems. “Our SLS platforms in particular allow our customers to expand their manufacturing capabilities with production-grade nylon materials to produce tough, functional complex parts with excellent surface finish, resolution, accuracy, repeatability, and low total cost of operations.”

Through 3D Systems’ partnership with Wematter, Dr. Graves said they are be able to offer an expanded portfolio with a platform at a more affordable price point. In addition, he said, “I believe this will enable a new category of manufacturers to take advantage of the benefits of additive manufacturing to transform their businesses and accelerate innovation.”  

Meanwhile, Robert Kniola, president at Wematter said, “ Wematter is a Swedish 3D printing company that delivers an easy-to-use, all-in-one SLS solution that employs cloud-based software and advanced hardware that anyone can use.”

Kniola added, “Users worldwide can easily print components, locally or globally, with the same strength and quality as traditional SLS technology. Wematter’s proprietary end-to-end solution enables customers to accelerate product development and in-house volume production with a click of a button.”

Furthermore, Kniola added the partnership will transform Wematter into a relevant global market player in the niche of affordable and accessible SLS solutions. Hence, creating new opportunities for customers that have been asking for such a solution for a long time.