Carbon Propels European Expansion Through Strategic 3D Printing Partnerships with Selltek and Solid Print3D

Carbon, an innovator at the forefront of 3D printing technology and the acclaimed creator of the Carbon Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) process, has officially unveiled its ambitious plans for expanding its footprint across the European continent. This strategic move is being facilitated through key sales partnerships forged with two prominent entities: Seltek by Dedem, an established Italian leader, and Solid Print3D, a respected UK-based expert. As a leading American manufacturer renowned for its advanced resins and high-performance resin 3D printers, Carbon has already made significant inroads across a diverse spectrum of industries, including but not limited to automotive, consumer products, dental, and industrial applications. These newly established alliances with Italy and UK-based companies are poised to serve as crucial accelerators for Carbon’s growth trajectory in the dynamic European market, marking a pivotal moment in the global adoption of advanced additive manufacturing.

Over the past few years, Carbon has achieved remarkable success and cultivated an impressive market presence within North America. Central to this success is their proprietary Carbon DLS process, a groundbreaking technology distinguished by its exceptional capability to produce high-resolution, isotropic parts. This innovative process not only ensures superior quality but also dramatically accelerates the product development lifecycle, empowering businesses to bring innovations to market faster without compromising on performance or precision. Their M2 printer, in particular, has garnered widespread acclaim and popularity within the competitive resin 3D printer market, becoming a benchmark for reliability and advanced functionality. Carbon’s versatile technology has enabled its expansion into a myriad of industries, facilitating the creation of sophisticated sportswear components, such as advanced helmets, and intricate car parts. By formalizing strategic sales partnerships with Selltek, a top-tier Italian 3D printing dealer, and Solid Print3D, a distinguished UK-based 3D printing specialist and distributor, Carbon unequivocally signals its profound commitment and strategic intent to drive significant expansion and innovation within the thriving European market.

Photo Credits: Carbon

Elaborating on the strategic rationale behind Carbon’s concerted push into the European market, Ellen Kullman, the esteemed President and CEO at Carbon, articulated her vision: “Europe is an undeniably strategic market for Carbon. We have meticulously identified a robust customer demand for our cutting-edge 3D printing innovations, which offer distinct and superior advantages over conventional design and manufacturing processes currently available in the region. Solid Print3D and Selltek represent precisely the kind of strategic partners we sought—partners who will not only bolster our critical go-to-market strategy but also contribute invaluable regional expertise. This local insight is paramount to effectively support customers throughout their journey, enabling them to produce better products with unprecedented speed and efficiency.” This strategic emphasis on Europe is hardly surprising, given the continent’s pivotal role as a global epicenter for the broader 3D printing industry. According to authoritative research published in the 2021 Wohlers Report, a staggering 29.2% of all industrial additive manufacturing systems worldwide are installed within Europe, underscoring its significant market penetration and infrastructure. The United Kingdom, in particular, has consistently been recognized as one of the most mature and advanced nations in terms of 3D printing adoption and innovation, securing the impressive 2nd position on the most recent 3D Printing Sentiment Index. Italy closely follows, ranking 11th overall, while other key European economies such as Germany, France, and Switzerland also feature prominently in the top 10. These statistics collectively illuminate the immense and largely untapped potential for further growth and widespread adoption of industrial additive manufacturing across Europe, positioning it as a critical battleground for advanced manufacturing technologies.

Carbon’s DLS technology is uniquely positioned to address the evolving needs of European industries. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods that often involve lengthy lead times, high tooling costs, and limited design flexibility, Carbon DLS offers unparalleled advantages. Its ability to leverage oxygen-permeable optics and programmable liquid resins allows for continuous liquid interface production, resulting in parts with exceptional mechanical properties, fine features, and smooth surface finishes. This is critical for demanding applications in the medical sector, where precision and biocompatibility are paramount for devices and custom dental aligners, models, and surgical guides. For the automotive industry, Carbon’s technology facilitates rapid prototyping of complex components, lightweighting of parts for enhanced fuel efficiency, and even the production of end-use parts like air ducts and interior elements that require specific aesthetic and performance characteristics. The DLS process also supports a broad range of engineering-grade materials, each tuned for specific mechanical and thermal properties, enabling European manufacturers to innovate with confidence and achieve superior product performance.

Both Selltek and Solid Print3D have enthusiastically articulated the profound importance of these newly forged strategic sales partnerships with Carbon. They underscored their conviction that not only are the British and Italian additive manufacturing markets poised for immense growth in the forthcoming years, but also that the ability to offer Carbon’s revolutionary products throughout mainland Europe will serve as a powerful catalyst for innovation within the broader European additive manufacturing landscape. Neil Sewell, the visionary Founder and Managing Director at Solid Print3D, encapsulated this excitement: “We are genuinely thrilled to be embarking on this collaborative journey with Carbon in the UK. Our rigorous selection process for go-to-market partners is driven by a commitment to offering only the best-in-class products and services to our esteemed customers. We are firmly convinced that Carbon’s technology stands at the undisputed cutting edge of Additive Manufacturing, presenting an unrivaled combination of technology, advanced materials, and steadfast reliability. We are eagerly anticipating the transformative impact of the DLS process, and how it will empower our customers to conceptualize and create truly new and innovative products that push the boundaries of design and functionality.” This synergy between Carbon’s pioneering technology and the regional expertise of its partners promises to unlock unprecedented opportunities for European industries, fostering a new era of localized innovation and manufacturing excellence. The detailed press release containing further information about these significant partnerships can be accessed HERE.

The expansion into Europe by Carbon signifies more than just market growth; it represents a commitment to democratizing advanced manufacturing capabilities across a continent rich in industrial heritage and innovation potential. By collaborating with established local partners like Selltek and Solid Print3D, Carbon is not only ensuring efficient distribution and technical support but also fostering a closer relationship with European customers. This localized approach will be instrumental in understanding specific market demands, developing tailored applications, and ultimately accelerating the adoption of industrial 3D printing for mass production and customized solutions. From agile product development cycles to resilient supply chains, European businesses across various sectors are set to benefit immensely from Carbon’s advanced DLS technology, materials, and comprehensive support infrastructure.

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Thumbnail Photo Credits: Carbon