Trumpf re-enters additive manufacturing arena in alliance with Sisma
Ditzingen, Germany - Trumpf has entered into a joint venture for additive manufacturing with Italy's biggest laser manufacturer, Sisma. Trumpf Sisma will be based in Piovene Rocchette near Vicenza, Italy, where the companies will co-develop production systems for the 3D printing of metal components. Sisma has a 45% stake and Trumpf 55%.
Related: 3D printing market poised to reach $12B in 2025, says Lux Research
Trumpf is working on rapid entry into this market well beyond making prototypes. According to Peter Leibinger, head of Trumpf Laser Technology, “In the future, the most important criterion where additive manufacturing lines are concerned will be their suitability for industrial applications.”
Sisma began development work on an additive manufacturing machine for the production of small metallic components several years ago. The company has annual sales of 33 million Euro and around 1000 laser devices sold each year. It has approximately 130 employees and has primarily targeted jewelry, fashion, dental, and industrial applications.
Trumpf first entered the additive manufacturing market in the 2000, with the TrumaForm, a universal tool for the generative manufacturing of metallic materials. The product was ahead of its time since the market for serial production of components had not yet developed. The company expects to benefit from its expertise in the related process of laser deposition welding, which is used in for repair and coating applications.
About the Author
Ron Schaeffer
Ron Schaeffer, Ph.D., is a blogger and contributing editor, and a member of the Laser Focus World Editorial Advisory Board. He is an industry expert in the field of laser micromachining and was formerly Chief Executive Officer of PhotoMachining, Inc. He has been involved in laser manufacturing and materials processing for over 25 years, working in and starting small companies. He is an advisor and past member of the Board of Directors of the Laser Institute of America. He has a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Lehigh University and did graduate work at the University of Paris. His book, Fundamentals of Laser Micromachining, is available from CRC Press.