#3DExpress: What’s Next For Nexa3D, Nano Dimension & Velo3D?

As the year winds down, the 3D printing world shows no signs of slowing. In this final edition of #3DExpress for the year, we bring you five headlines that captured our attention. The updates are a mixed bag—some promising, others less so. From the ongoing turbulence at Nano Dimension and the challenges faced by Nexa3D to unexpected news from Colibrium Additive, the industry continues to surprise. Plus, don’t miss the story of Arrayed Additive’s move to acquire 95 percent of Velo3D or Axial3D’s notable financial boost. Here’s to ending the week—and the year—strong. Dive in and stay informed with #3DExpress!

Nexa3D Reduces Operation

Nexa3D’s absence from this year’s Formnext did not go unnoticed, sparking widespread speculation about the company’s status. Now, the high-speed 3D printing systems provider has confirmed what many in the additive manufacturing industry had suspected: financial difficulties are forcing the company to scale back operations. While Nexa3D assures that existing customers will still receive services and materials, questions remain about how long this support can be sustained. Despite these challenges, Nexa3D reflects positively on its journey, highlighting its portfolio of approximately 200 patents and over 2,000 successful collaborations as a testament to its innovation and dedication to advancing the technology.

Credit: Nexa3D

Desktop Metal Sues Nano Dimension

Hardly a week goes by without us reporting on Nano Dimension. Now, Desktop Metal, which was supposed to be taken over by Nano Dimension, has sued the company. The lawsuit is based on the allegation that Nano Dimension is failing to make efforts to obtain regulatory approval from CFIUS (Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States) and is therefore in breach of the merger agreement. A court hearing is scheduled for Monday, December 30, 2024. Desktop Metal is calling for the merger to be completed as soon as possible, with a planned completion date of January 2025. It was also announced this week that CEO Yoav Stern will not continue in his role. Julien Lederman has now been appointed interim CEO.

Credit: Nano Dimension

Mass Layoffs at Colibrium Additive in Lichtenfels?

Lichtenfels is the Mecca of German 3D printing, as Colibrium Additive (formerly GE Additive) is regarded as a driving force for innovation and new technologies. Now local media are reporting that the company is planning drastic cuts. Between 40 and 48 percent of the workforce will be laid off, meaning that at least 150 redundancies are planned. We do not know what will happen to the company. A company spokesperson told the local newspaper inFranken.de: “Taking into account the current conditions in the additive industry, we are proposing measures to make our business more efficient so that we can best meet the needs of our employees and customers.” The works council explained that the decision was made because of the lack of orders. This is no longer a rarity in the AM sector and we will see how the industry develops in the coming year. For now, a big question mark remains.