3D Systems, one of the largest manufacturers of 3-D printers, announced today the purchase of modeling software company Geomagic, a move that will allow the South Carolina-based company to further expand into applications.
Throughout a strong showing for investors in 2012, 3D Systems has been on a purchasing binge, according to Investor's Business Daily, nabbing INUS Technology, Vitzu Technologies, Bespoke Innovations, and others. Geomagic's CEO Ping Fu will join 3D Systems as Chief Strategy Officer.
3D Systems' stable of products includes a consumer version of RepRap and the low-cost Cube 3-D printer, as well as professional-grade laser sintering and stereolithography printers. The company already offers CAD software — including Rapidform, acquired from INUS Technology — but Geomagic's 3-D modeling and scanning software will greatly expand 3D Systems' bullpen. Although 3D Systems has begun to enter the consumer 3-D printer market, the acquisition of Geomagic is in line with the company's history as a producer of industrial-level printers. Applications of the software include products in the medical, dental, and biomechanical, as well as engineering industries.
Earlier this year, 3D Systems filed a lawsuit against Formlabs, alleging the smaller company's Kickstarter-funded 3-D printer infringed on 3D Systems' patent for "simultaneous multiple layer curing in stereolithography." Competitors Objet and Stratasys announced a merger in December, though these companies both manufacture printers, and focus less on software.
No details of the acquisition's price have been released yet.
