SPE Has Acquired 3Dnatives, Expanding its Expertise in the Additive Manufacturing Sector

Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) has announced the acquisition of 3Dnatives, the media platform dedicated to additive manufacturing. Founded in 1942 and now operating in 84 countries with over 22,500 members, SPE unites plastics professionals worldwide and is dedicated to advancing knowledge and education in the plastics industry. The acquisition will allow the U.S. organization to expand its expertise in the additive manufacturing sector.

Industrial 3D printing currently only accounts for about 0.1% of the $12.8 trillion global manufacturing economy, but it’s growing rapidly. The additive manufacturing market is expected to reach $107.7 billion by 2031, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.9% according to a report from Allied Market Research. 3D printing thus represents a real opportunity in the more global manufacturing landscape. “There is a natural similarity between the work of SPE and of 3Dnatives,” says Patrick Farrey, SPE’s CEO. “Both publish the most up-to-date technical information for professionals in the plastics and additive manufacturing industries. Joining with 3Dnatives expands SPE’s expertise in these growing markets and gives our members unprecedented access to the science and technologies they need to know.”

In the middle, Patrick Farrey, CEO of SPE, with the 3Dnatives executive team (photo credits: 3Dnatives)

3Dnatives global presence will also broaden SPE’s worldwide reach, through daily industry news and distinct market-specific platforms produced in five native languages – French, German, English, Spanish, and Italian. Every month, over 1.2M professionals visit 3Dnatives for its 3D printing equipment comparison engine, original articles, technical guides, product reviews, job board, business directory and more.