Siemens burner heads produced by Materials Solutions Ltd via selective laser melting

Siemens Buys 3D Printing Company, Expanding AM Strategy

Sept. 2, 2016
Siemens AG acquired an 85% stake in Materials Solutions Ltd., an additive manufacturing company producing nickel-superalloy parts for gas turbines (land based and aero engines), and specialty steel and titanium components for aerospace systems and performance automotive systems.

Engineering group Siemens AG has acquired an 85% stake in Materials Solutions Ltd., an additive manufacturing company producing nickel-superalloy parts for land-based and aerospace gas turbines, and specialty steel and titanium components for aerospace systems and performance automotive systems. The value of the acquisition was not announced. Just over a year ago, Siemens made a “strategic investment” (14%) in the Worcester, England, company via its Siemens Venture Capital unit.

The remaining 15% stake will be held by Materials Solutions founder Carl Brancher.

Materials Solutions uses “selective laser melting” (SLM) to produce high-performance metal parts, principally turbomachinery parts for gas turbines, both land-based and aerospace turbines, parts for which dimensional accuracy and surface finish are critically important design details.

Brancher commented that his organization’s "know-how and experience will make a significant contribution to Siemens' Additive Manufacturing strategy. Materials Solutions is developing the applications know-how and a supply chain for the world's most advanced engineering companies – delivering processes and precision parts from 3D CAD models, using software, lasers and metal powders," he added.

Siemens began producing 3D-printed parts for commercial supply earlier this year. It indicated the first 3D-printed burner component for a Siemens heavy-duty gas turbine is in operation now at a power plant in Brno, Czech Republic.

Read More

About the Author

Robert Brooks | Content Director

Robert Brooks has been a business-to-business reporter, writer, editor, and columnist for more than 20 years, specializing in the primary metal and basic manufacturing industries. His work has covered a wide range of topics, including process technology, resource development, material selection, product design, workforce development, and industrial market strategies, among others. Currently, he specializes in subjects related to metal component and product design, development, and manufacturing — including castings, forgings, machined parts, and fabrications.

Brooks is a graduate of Kenyon College (B.A. English, Political Science) and Emory University (M.A. English.)

Sponsored Recommendations

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!