Driving Innovation: Key Developments and Strategic Shifts in the Additive Manufacturing Industry

The additive manufacturing (AM) industry is experiencing a period of unprecedented dynamism, marked by significant technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and substantial investments. This past week, coinciding with the influential RAPID + TCT event – a major global gathering for 3D printing professionals – saw a flurry of critical announcements that underscore the rapid evolution and growing maturity of the sector. From pioneering collaborations aimed at expanding advanced manufacturing capabilities to celebratory milestones and pivotal leadership changes, the landscape of 3D printing is continuously being redefined. Notable highlights include MX3D’s strategic alliance with the Phillips Corporation to propel Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) across the United States, and the acquisition of specialized filament producer Kimya by Airtech Advanced Materials, signaling a renewed focus on high-performance materials. Further demonstrating the industry’s robust health and future potential, luxury automaker Bentley celebrated a monumental achievement in its long-standing adoption of AM, while Nano Dimension announced a new CEO to steer its innovative path. Concluding this wave of transformative news, Stratasys successfully closed a substantial $120 million funding round from Fortissimo Capital, injecting optimism and capital into the polymer 3D printing giant. These developments collectively paint a picture of an industry poised for accelerated growth, innovation, and broader market integration. Join us as we delve deeper into these pivotal events shaping the future of additive manufacturing.

Bentley Marks a Quarter-Century of Additive Manufacturing Excellence

Luxury automotive manufacturer Bentley has reached an extraordinary milestone, commemorating 25 years since its initial venture into additive manufacturing. This quarter-century journey has not only showcased Bentley’s commitment to cutting-edge technology but has also culminated in a remarkable achievement: the production of over 125,000 3D-printed parts. This impressive figure highlights the integral role that 3D printing now plays within Bentley’s design, engineering, and manufacturing processes, moving far beyond mere prototyping to encompass tooling, functional components, and even bespoke customization. The company’s investment in AM is substantial, boasting a fleet of 13 state-of-the-art machines that utilize six distinct additive manufacturing processes. This diverse technological arsenal enables Bentley to explore an expansive range of applications, from intricate design iterations and complex geometric components to rigorous material testing and rapid functional prototyping. The ability to leverage multiple AM techniques allows Bentley to select the most appropriate method for specific part requirements, optimizing for factors such as material properties, production speed, and cost-efficiency.

Matthias Rabe, Bentley board member overseeing Research & Development, emphasized the strategic importance of this milestone, stating, “Additive manufacturing continues to play a vital role in the product development process, and our capability and expertise in this field has gone from strength to strength. The ability to rapidly produce and iterate components has advanced how we develop our models and offers further opportunities as we electrify our model range and create our next generation of extraordinary cars.” Rabe’s insights underscore how 3D printing accelerates the product lifecycle, allowing engineers and designers to rapidly test and refine components, significantly reducing lead times compared to traditional manufacturing methods. This agility is particularly crucial as Bentley navigates the complex transition towards an electrified model range, where lightweighting, thermal management, and integration of new electronic systems demand innovative manufacturing solutions. The flexibility of AM also opens doors for unprecedented levels of customization and personalization, further enhancing the bespoke experience synonymous with the Bentley brand. This significant achievement not only celebrates past successes but also paves the way for future innovations in automotive manufacturing, cementing Bentley’s position at the forefront of additive technology adoption.

MX3D and Phillips Corporation Forge Alliance to Expand WAAM in the USA

In a landmark announcement made at RAPID + TCT 2025, MX3D, a recognized leader in robotic Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) systems, revealed a new strategic partnership with the Phillips Corporation, a global powerhouse in advanced manufacturing solutions. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for the expansion of large-scale metal 3D printing across the United States. The primary objective of this alliance is twofold: to introduce MX3D’s sophisticated metal AM solutions to the lucrative U.S. market and, more broadly, to catalyze the widespread adoption of WAAM technology within critical industrial sectors. WAAM, a disruptive additive manufacturing process, leverages welding wire and arc welding equipment mounted on robotic arms to create large-format metal parts layer by layer. Its inherent advantages include cost-effectiveness for large structures, high deposition rates, and the ability to work with a wide array of commercially available metal alloys, making it an attractive alternative to traditional manufacturing for substantial components.

The partnership specifically targets high-growth and strategically vital industries such as aerospace, energy, maritime, and heavy manufacturing. These sectors often require robust, large-scale metal components, where WAAM’s capabilities for producing complex geometries and bespoke parts with reduced material waste can offer significant benefits in terms of design flexibility, lead time reduction, and supply chain optimization. Under the terms of the agreement, Phillips Corporation will serve as the exclusive U.S. distributor and support provider for MX3D systems. This comprehensive role ensures that American customers not only gain access to MX3D’s innovative WAAM technology but also receive unparalleled local technical support, training, and service. This local presence and expertise are crucial for enabling seamless integration of WAAM into existing manufacturing workflows and accelerating its widespread adoption.

Gijs van der Velden, CEO of MX3D, articulated the strategic importance of this partnership, stating, “Partnering with Phillips Corporation offers a great chance to speed up the adoption of MX3D technology in the USA. Their strong network and capability to provide timely and quality service locally is crucial now as more and more customers start using MX3D Systems for 24/7 qualified production.” This statement underscores the growing demand for reliable, industrial-scale additive manufacturing solutions capable of continuous, qualified production. The collaboration with Phillips Corporation, with its extensive network and proven track record in manufacturing technology distribution and support, is expected to significantly de-risk the adoption process for U.S. companies. By combining MX3D’s pioneering WAAM technology with Phillips Corporation’s robust market presence and service infrastructure, this partnership is set to unlock new possibilities for metal additive manufacturing, fostering innovation and enhancing competitiveness across diverse American industries.

Stratasys Secures $120 Million Investment from Fortissimo Capital, Signaling Growth Confidence

In an industry that faced its share of headwinds and market fluctuations throughout 2024, the announcement of a significant financial injection into a leading player like Stratasys emerged as a powerful beacon of hope. Fortissimo Capital, a prominent private equity fund with a strong track record of investing in technology and industrial companies, had previously indicated its intent to invest $120 million into Stratasys. Now, the official closing of this substantial funding round has been confirmed, solidifying a strategic partnership aimed at propelling Stratasys’s future growth and market leadership in polymer 3D printing solutions. According to a press release from Stratasys, Fortissimo Capital has acquired “approximately 14% of Stratasys’ issued and outstanding ordinary shares through a direct purchase of 11,650,485 newly issued ordinary shares at $10.30 per share.” This significant investment underscores Fortissimo’s confidence in Stratasys’s market position, technological portfolio, and long-term potential within the expanding additive manufacturing landscape. For Stratasys, this capital infusion provides crucial resources for accelerated research and development, strategic market expansion, and strengthening its competitive edge against a backdrop of increasing innovation and consolidation within the AM sector.

Beyond the financial investment, this development also brings a strategic change to Stratasys’s leadership structure. Dr. Yoav Zeif, a key figure in Stratasys’s recent history, has volunteered to step down from the board of directors, and his position will now be filled by Yuval Cohen. Cohen is the Founding and Managing Partner of Fortissimo Capital, bringing a wealth of experience in nurturing growth in technology-driven companies. This appointment signals a deeper integration of Fortissimo’s strategic vision into Stratasys’s governance and future direction. Yuval Cohen elaborated on the rationale behind this significant commitment, stating, “Fortissimo made this significant investment in Stratasys out of recognition of its leadership, the tremendous growth potential inherent in its technology portfolio and its dedicated management team led by Yoav. I look forward to working with the company’s outstanding Board of Directors and management to unlock value for customers, employees and shareholders.” Cohen’s remarks highlight Fortissimo’s belief in Stratasys’s core strengths, particularly its innovative technology portfolio that spans various polymer 3D printing processes such as FDM, PolyJet, and SAF. The emphasis on unlocking value for all stakeholders — customers through enhanced products, employees through continued innovation, and shareholders through strategic growth — reflects a clear path forward for Stratasys as it leverages this investment to solidify its position as a global leader in additive manufacturing.

Nano Dimension Appoints Ofir Baharav as New CEO Amidst Strategic Realignments

Nano Dimension, a company at the forefront of Additively Manufactured Electronics (AME) and multi-material 3D printing, has experienced a dynamic and often turbulent period marked by aggressive acquisition strategies, significant corporate governance challenges including public lawsuits, and notable leadership resignations. In a move to stabilize its operations and steer its strategic direction, the digital manufacturing expert has officially appointed Ofir Baharav as its new Chief Executive Officer. This leadership change is particularly critical as Nano Dimension aims to accelerate the strategic integration of its various acquisitions, notably its investments in Desktop Metal and Markforged, amidst previous bids to fully acquire these companies which ultimately faced strong resistance.

Ofir Baharav steps into the CEO role with a strong mandate, having served as Chairman of the Board since December 2024. During his tenure as Chairman, he was instrumental in initiating key changes designed to restore profitability and maximize shareholder value – a critical focus following a period of intense corporate activity. Baharav brings almost three decades of invaluable experience in additive manufacturing technologies and equipment, specifically within the electronics industry. His distinguished career includes leading strategic transformations at several high-profile companies, such as Maxify, Stratasys, Xjet, and Credence Systems. This extensive background equips him with a deep understanding of the technological landscape, market dynamics, and operational complexities inherent in the AM sector.

The appointment of a seasoned leader like Baharav is a clear signal of Nano Dimension’s renewed commitment to disciplined growth and operational efficiency. His expertise will be crucial in streamlining the integration processes of acquired entities, ensuring technological synergies are fully realized, and consolidating the company’s diverse portfolio of advanced manufacturing solutions. After a period defined by significant challenges and corporate restructuring, the industry watches keenly to observe how this new leadership will shape Nano Dimension’s trajectory. The company aims to leverage Baharav’s vision and experience to strengthen its position in the competitive global market, particularly in high-value applications like AME, micro-additive manufacturing, and sophisticated multi-material printing, ultimately seeking to deliver sustainable long-term value to its stakeholders.

KIMYA Re-Enters the Additive Manufacturing Market Under Airtech Advanced Materials

A few months ago, the additive manufacturing community received the disheartening news of the closure of KIMYA, a prominent French company renowned for its specialization in the production of high-performance plastic materials for 3D printing. KIMYA had established itself as a key innovator in developing technical filaments, offering a diverse portfolio crucial for various industrial applications. However, the narrative has now taken a positive turn, as the brand has announced its re-entry into the additive manufacturing market, having been successfully acquired by the American group Airtech Advanced Materials. This strategic move breathes new life into KIMYA’s legacy and significantly enhances Airtech’s capabilities in the rapidly evolving world of 3D printing materials.

The official press release detailing the acquisition underscores the comprehensive nature of this strategic enhancement: “This strategic enhancement includes Kimya’s technical filament materials, development and production capabilities, validation equipment, and intellectual property — further expanding Airtech’s offering for large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) and high-performance thermoplastic applications.” This means Airtech not only acquires KIMYA’s renowned product lines but also gains its advanced R&D expertise, state-of-the-art production infrastructure, and valuable intellectual property. This integration is particularly beneficial for Airtech’s ambitions in Large-Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM), where there is a growing demand for robust, high-performance thermoplastic materials capable of producing large, durable parts for industries such as aerospace, automotive tooling, and marine.

A crucial aspect of this acquisition is the relocation of filament production. KIMYA’s manufacturing operations will now be centralized at Airtech’s European headquarters in Luxembourg. This decision is strategically significant, allowing for streamlined logistics, enhanced operational efficiency, and closer integration with Airtech’s broader European operations. It also reflects Airtech’s unwavering determination to expand its additive manufacturing strategy, solidifying its commitment to offering users an even wider array of advanced, high-quality materials. By combining KIMYA’s specialized knowledge in filament extrusion and material formulation with Airtech’s extensive experience in advanced composite materials and vacuum bagging solutions, the newly integrated entity is exceptionally well-positioned to become a leading provider of innovative materials for the demanding applications of industrial additive manufacturing. This revival marks a promising chapter for KIMYA and a substantial strengthening of Airtech’s presence in the global AM materials market.

The past week’s announcements from RAPID + TCT truly highlight the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of the additive manufacturing industry. From Bentley’s impressive two-and-a-half-decade journey culminating in a significant production milestone, showcasing AM’s critical role in automotive innovation, to strategic partnerships like MX3D and Phillips Corporation driving advanced metal 3D printing into new territories, the sector is continuously pushing boundaries. The crucial investment by Fortissimo Capital into Stratasys and the appointment of a new CEO at Nano Dimension underscore the industry’s ongoing maturity, strategic realignments, and confidence in future growth. Finally, the acquisition of KIMYA by Airtech Advanced Materials reinforces the foundational importance of high-performance materials in enabling next-generation additive manufacturing applications. These developments collectively signify not just a week of news, but a blueprint for the future direction of 3D printing – one characterized by innovation, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of industrial integration.

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