Desktop Metal to Acquire EnvisionTec

Desktop Metal, a leader in mass production and turnkey additive manufacturing (AM) solutions, is acquiring EnvisionTec, a global provider of volume production photopolymer 3D printing solutions for end-use parts. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021. Following completion of the acquisition, EnvisionTec will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Desktop Metal. EnvisionTec founder Al Siblani will continue to serve as chief executive officer of the EnvisionTec business.

“I’m thrilled to partner with Al and the EnvisionTec team to bring significant growth to the additive market,” says Ric Fulop, founder and chief executive officer of Desktop Metal. “EnvisionTec is a true pioneer and responsible for many of the leading technologies widely used today to produce end-use photopolymer parts through additive manufacturing.”

As the original inventor of digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing technology, EnvisionTec has one of the strongest intellectual property portfolios in the photopolymer 3D printing market, with more than 140 issued and pending patents. “I am excited and honored to partner with Ric and the Desktop Metal team to deliver end-use parts in both metal and polymers as we implement Ric’s vision on the future of Additive Manufacturing 2.0,” says Siblani. “Bringing the two companies together will deliver a global footprint of customers that can cross-benefit from our combined technology platforms.”

The acquisition more than doubles Desktop Metal’s global distribution network and increases its geographic sales capabilities to 68 countries around the world. It also expands Desktop’s product portfolio across metals, composites and polymers.

EnvisionTec has over 5,000 customers across a broad range of industries, including medical devices, jewelry, automotive, aerospace and biofabrication. The company is a leader in the dental market, more than tripling the number of Envision One dental shipments from 2019 to 2020, and with over 1,000 dental customers now using its printers for end-use parts. EnvisionTec also has a broad library of over 190 materials, featuring photopolymer resins with material properties in line with or exceeding those of thermoplastics and multiple FDA-listed and 510(K)-cleared resins for the manufacturing of medical devices.