3D Systems Sets Up Strategic Partnership with Wematter

3D Systems has established a strategic partnership with Wematter, a Swedish 3D printer manufacturer, to broaden 3D Systems’ selective laser sintering (SLS) portfolio, 3D Systems reports. Wematter designed and introduced the Wematter Gravity in 2020, which brought a 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, helping Wematter expand its total market. As the global distributor, 3D Systems will be able to reach additional customers with an SLS solution for the production of end-use parts.

The Wematter Gravity was designed to make additive manufacturing accessible in smaller environments. The small footprint (0.7x0.7x1.5 m) requires  less space, yet has a build volume that is larger (300x300x300 mm) than comparable solutions, and can complete an entire job in 24 hours or less. The Gravity is CE certified for use in offices, hospitals and research laboratories to manufacture production parts for various applications including automotive, consumer goods and durable medical equipment.

The Gravity only requires a standard power source and an ethernet connection that enables plug-and-play installation and can be operational in less than an hour from delivery. This is facilitated by the interface that guides the user through the setup and print process. The powder handling system maintains a closed loop, ensuring no toxic fumes.

Additionally, the system facilitates the recycling of unused powder for multiple cycles, enabling manufacturers to fully use the material and eliminate waste. Because the Gravity is connected to the Cloud, users can start and monitor print jobs remotely. The cloud-based connection also facilitates proactive and preventive maintenance to maximize uptime and productivity.

“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,” says Dr. Jeffrey Graves, president and CEO, 3D Systems. “Through our partnership with Wematter, we’ll now be able to offer an expanded portfolio with a platform at a more affordable price point. The simple, elegant design of the Gravity allows it to be incorporated into a variety of environments without the need for deep technology expertise or special facilities considerations.”  

“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,” says Robert Kniola, president, Wematter. “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.”

The Wematter Gravity is currently available in EMEA, with planned availability in the Americas and Asia Pacific regions for the second quarter of 2023.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.

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