Since the rise of Additive Manufacturing, Siemens has been investing in the technology and is now driving it towards commercialization. To that end, the German OEM last August bought a majority stake in Materials Solutions, one of the pioneers in using selective laser melting to manufacture high-performance metal parts.
Materials Solutions is focusing on the production on turbomachinery parts, particularly high temperature applications for gas turbines where accuracy, surface finish and the highest quality of the materials is critical to ensure operational performance. The Worcester-based company, founded in 2006, currently employs more than 20 engineersand has proven applications in aerospace, power generation and motor sports.
Snapping up majority share in UK specialist firm
After acquiring a 14% stake in August 2015, Siemens now expanded its shareholding to 85% while the remaining 15% will remain in the hands of Materials Solutions’ founder Carl Brancher. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
“I am sure our know-how and experience will make a significant contribution to Siemens' Additive Manufacturing strategy," Mr Brancher commented. Materials Solutions develops know-how to deliver processes and precision parts from 3D CAD models, using software, lasers and metal powders. Even after its integration in the Siemens Group, Materials Solutions will keep supporting some of its external customers.
Willi Meixner, CEO of Siemens Power and Gas Division said the deal would allow the German OEM to “secure expertise in materials and AM process development with focus on high-temperature super alloys. He underlined the company's strength “to turn models into high quality components in record time.”
Investing in 3D printing facility in Sweden
In Finspång, Sweden, Siemens already started using Additive Manufacturing technology in 2009 and invested roughly €21.4 million to open a production facility for metal 3D printed components in February this year. This investment opens up mass manufacture and repair of metal parts with Additive Manufacturing. The first 3D printed burner component for Siemens gas turbine has been fitted in a plant in Brno, Czech Republic.
Additive Manufacturing, or 3D Printing, is a process that builds parts layer-by-layer from sliced CAD models to form solid objects. Fiber lasers are now powerful enough to melt high performance metal alloys to manufacture gas turbine or jet engine parts.