Shapeways, the US-based service that went public in 2021, filed for bankruptcy July 2 and dissolved all services, while Paris-based Sculpteo is positioned for more growth as it joins Forward AM Technologies, a new entity now completely spun off from BASF.
Two of the industry’s biggest printing services making significant moves this week reflects just how competitive and significant the 3D printing-as-a-service marketplace has become as more new services set-up shop and more traditional contract manufacturers add additive manufacturing to their service menu.
Despite initial optimism, Shapeways struggled for years to make good on its promised 90% annual growth. The company has been laying off staff and selling off its equipment, mainly its Desktop Metal 3D printers, for the past six to 10 months.
In May, Shapeways said it was continuing to pursue strategic alternatives for its core manufacturing business, after selling off its software side, and was engaged in ongoing discussions with potential acquirers. Talks broke down without an agreement.
Sculpteo Poised for Growth
Sculpteo, on the other hand, was acquired in 2019 by chemical giant BASF to become part of its new 3D printing solutions subsidiary called Forward AM, headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany. BASF grew the printing service from mostly regional into a global network.
Today, Forward AM announced that it is spinning off into a separate company from BASF and bringing Sculpteo — along with BASF’s 3D printing materials portfolio — with it.
The new Forward AM Technologies unites BASF’s materials — including its Ultrasint polymer powders for laser powder bed fusion, Ultrafuse metal and polymer filaments, and Ultracur3D photopolymer resins and inks — with the variety of technologies and services offered at Sculpteo.
Forward AM’s CEO Martin Black expressed gratitude to BASF for supporting the management buyout process: “By working together, we could ensure that our team of experts and the innovative tools currently in place can continue to provide leading AM solutions to the manufacturing industry in times of volatility. The team at Forward AM is truly passionate about shaping the future of manufacturing and all the exciting opportunities to build and grow within this innovative AM community.”
Although Forward AM certainly benefited from the deep pockets of a multi-national like BASF, alone it may be more agile. It logged a consistent 30% annual growth rate over the past two years, which it says showcases the market’s trust in Forward AM’s materials and AM technologies. The strong growth in metal 3D printing on desktop FDM machines enabled by its Ultrafuse stainless steel filaments, which have almost no competition, is a big part of the company’s past growth.
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