Ventura, Calif.-based 3D printer maker Nexa3D Inc. has acquired Copenhagen-based Addifab ApS, the developer of Freeform Injection Molding, in a deal that follows a yearlong collaboration project.
The FIM process creates tool parts from computer-aided design file to molded component in a day using soluble 3D printed molds, which in turn eliminates demolding and ejection obstacles, such as drafts, split lines, sliders and collapsible cores.
Founded in 2014, Addifab has designed 640 molds to date with its patented Freeform platform for injection molding.
The acquisition brings Nexa3D capabilities to offer digital tooling for injection molding; expands markets; provides next-generation resin formulations and manufacturing capabilities; bolsters Nexa3D's presence in Europe with a customer experience center, resin manufacturing facility and fulfillment center in Copenhagen; and adds intellectual property.
Ahead of the deal, Nexa3D and Addifab staff collaborated on projects in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The effort converted dozens of customers from traditional tooling to digital tooling, according to a news release about the acquisition.
One project involved helping Wilson Sporting Goods accelerate development of youth baseball bats. The Wilson research and development team was able to produce and test several designs simultaneously using final manufacturing materials. That's something they couldn't have accomplished before with any other 3D printed tool, the release says.
The merging of Nexa3D and Addifab combines two complementary technologies and unlocks the full potential of digital tooling for injection molding and the freedom to create, according to Avi Reichental, Nexa3D co-founder, chairman and CEO.
Nexa3D is positioned for accelerated growth in the fast-growing additive manufacturing space, he added.
"We believe that the market validated strategic fit between our businesses and products, combined with the expanded capabilities in product development, next-gen resin formulation, channel coverage, manufacturing and marketing, will result in significant revenue and accretive growth," Reichental said.