Have 3D Printed Gun? Will Acquire

There are two near certainties in the additive manufacturing market: If you use 3D printing technology to create a working firearm, you’ll gain notoriety and if you rise to any prominence in the additive manufacturing market, either 3D Systems or Stratasys will acquire you.

It’s no surprise then that additive manufacturing technology giant, Stratasys Ltd., announced it will acquire two privately-held additive manufacturing service bureaus, Harvest Technologies and Solid Concepts Inc.

Based in Valencia, California, Solid Concepts was founded in 1991 and has since grown to become the largest independent additive manufacturing service bureau in North America, with six U.S. facilities staffed by approximately 450 employees.

The company is possibly best known, however, for creating the world’s first hand-gun 3D printed in metal last November. To date, Solid Concepts says its initial M1911 series gun has successfully fired approximately 2,000 rounds without failure and plans to manufacture and sell 100 limited edition models to collectors. Manufactured using Inconel 625 and stainless steel components, the laser-sintered pistols will sell for US$11,900.

Somewhat less sensational, Harvest Technologies was established in 1995 and was the first additive manufacturing company in North America to become AS9100/ISO 9001 certified. The Belton, Texas-based company focuses on advanced end use parts applications for multiple industries.

Upon completion of the transactions, Stratasys says its acquisitions will combine with RedEye to establish one additive manufacturing services business unit lead by Solid Concepts president, Joe Allison.
www.stratasys.com
www.harvest-tech.com
www.solidconcepts.com