Siemens Energy Invests in Digital Platform for On-Demand Additive Manufacturing

Siemens Energy is expanding its commitment to additive manufacturing (AM) for the development and production of components and spare parts with its investment in the startup MakerVerse.

MakerVerse is a joint venture initiative between Siemens Energy, Zeiss and financial/venture capital investors, including 9.5 ventures. The new venture is designed to create a one-stop fulfillment platform that connects industrial clients with a global network of certified AM suppliers for projects such as design prototypes and producing on-demand spare parts.

The venture is said to cover the full technological service spectrum, starting with core 3D printing/AM technologies in the initial launch phase and expanding into further relevant on-demand technologies such as CNC and injection molding in the near future.

The platform offers features such as instant quoting, automated manufacturability checks, streamlined supplier and quality management, and industrial-level quality assurance. MakerVerse will be based in Berlin, with its initial focus on the European market. The public launch of the platform is planned for early mid-2022.

Siemens Energy is said to have one the of the largest fleets of metal AM printers worldwide and is in full serial production of dedicated gas turbine parts such as combustion components and turbine vanes. AM is also used to repair complex and stressed turbine blades and burner tips, and to accelerate a variety of development programs.

Siemens Energy says it is always looking for new methods and partners to optimize its supply chains of spart parts and specialized tooling for its customer base. This is how an industrial-scale digital platform like MakerVerse can help extend the range of additively manufactured parts to new technologies and materials like polymers. The goal of reducing inventories while ensuring fast deliveries is another driver for investing in new digital supply chains.