GKN Powder Metallurgy Acquires Forecast 3D, Expands Additive Manufacturing Capabilities to Include Plastics
GKN Powder Metallurgy has acquired Forecast 3D, joining to deliver industrial 3D printing capabilities across a larger global footprint and further push 3D printing solutions in metal and plastic.
GKN Powder Metallurgy, the world’s largest producer of metal powder and parts, has acquired Forecast 3D, a leading US specialist in plastic additive manufacturing offering a full range of services from concept to series production. The acquisition furthers GKN Powder Metallurgy’s ambition to achieve global market leadership in industrializing additive manufacturing. The combination creates a geographic and market expansion for GKN Powder Metallurgy’s conventional and additive manufacturing customers.
Prior to the acquisition, GKN Powder Metallurgy’s primary market focus was in North America’s midwestern region, as well as Europe and China. By combining both businesses, GKN Powder Metallurgy now serves all markets with a full range of 3D printing production technology and an expanded global footprint.
“Forecast 3D is a perfect fit,” says Peter Oberparleiter, CEO, GKN Powder Metallurgy. “They are everywhere we aren’t – geographies, markets, technologies and base materials. Combining our individual capabilities will present unparalleled advantages to our customer bases and enable us to cross-promote additive manufacturing in metal and plastic over more diversified markets. It is an important step on our journey to become No. 1 in this high growth market.”
Forecast 3D and HP Multi Jet Fusion technology are both said to deliver industry-leading advantages in quality, speed and economics, complementing GKN Powder Metallurgy’s advancements in metal 3D printing for mass production.
Corey Weber, CEO and co-founder, Forecast 3D says: “GKN’s resources, production experience and footprint will be the perfect fuel for this new FORECAST 3D engine as we prime it for the new world of local, on-demand manufacturing.”
As foundational partners in the HP Digital Manufacturing Network, this acquisition brings together two experienced parts producers to further accelerate the mass production of high-quality final parts for customers around the world, the companies say.
Related Content
-
This Year I Have Seen a Lot of AM for the Military — What Is Going On?
Audience members have similar questions. What is the Department of Defense’s interest in making hardware via 3D printing over conventional methods? Here are three manufacturing concerns that are particular to the military.
-
3D Printed Cutting Tool for Large Transmission Part: The Cool Parts Show Bonus
A boring tool that was once 30 kg challenged the performance of the machining center using it. The replacement tool is 11.5 kg, and more efficient as well, thanks to generative design.
-
With Electrochemical Additive Manufacturing (ECAM), Cooling Technology Is Advancing by Degrees
San Diego-based Fabric8Labs is applying electroplating chemistries and DLP-style machines to 3D print cold plates for the semiconductor industry in pure copper. These complex geometries combined with the rise of liquid cooling systems promise significant improvements for thermal management.
