This acquisition will significantly expand Proto Labs’ additive manufacturing capabilities in Europe by adding selective laser sintering, direct metal laser sintering and additional stereolithography capabilities. The acquisition also includes the injection moulding service currently offered by Alphaform Claho, in Eschenlohe, Germany. MediMet Precision Casting and Implants Technology GmbH, a 100% subsidiary of Alphaform AG is not part of the transaction.
Says Vicki Holt, president and CEO at Proto Labs: “We are pleased to announce this strategic acquisition, which will accelerate the growth of our additive manufacturing services in Europe and complement our current injection moulding and CNC machining services. With those three complementary offerings, we’re uniquely positioned to help designers and engineers take a product from the initial stages of prototyping through low-volume production.”
Proto Labs describes itself as the world's fastest digital manufacturing source for custom prototypes and low-volume production parts. The company uses advanced 3D printing, CNC machining and injection moulding technologies to produce parts within days. The result is “an unprecedented speed-to-market value for product designers and engineers worldwide”.
In the UK, the company has recently announced the addition of additive manufacturing in plastic to its service, offering parts up to 736 by 635 by 533 mm.
