Here’s an interesting new couple on the 3D printing market: 3D printer manufacturer Formlabs just announced the acquisition of 3D printing marketplace Pinshape. 

If you’re into 3D printing, you surely know Formlabs. The US company manufactures powerful stereolithography 3D printers – like their flagship Form 2. Today they announced the acquisition of Pinshape, one of the fastest growing 3D printing marketplaces, that hosts a ton of interesting 3D designs.

From making top-notch 3D printers in stereolithography to developing 3D printing software, Formlabs also makes a suite of high-performance materials. With Pinshape, Formlabs hopes to set a new benchmark in professional desktop 3D printing by continuing to broaden its ecosystem of 3D printing offerings.

“We’re proud to welcome Pinshape to Formlabs,” said Max Lobovsky, co-founder and CEO of Formlabs. “Pinshape is a company that shares the same passion and drive as Formlabs in making sophisticated 3D printing technology widely accessible. Pinshape is one of the fastest growing 3D design marketplaces, and Formlabs wants to make sure Pinshape stays that way.”

But what will change for Pinshape? According to a recent blog post, not too much: “We’ll be working closely with the Formlabs team to ensure a smooth transition, and won’t be making any significant changes to the platform in the near term. All the things you love about Pinshape, including educational content, the forum, and contests will continue on!”.

Pinshape is Back, Formlabs grows Stronger

For many, this comes as a surprise: Despite their success, Pinshape already had struggled to find funding; in fact, they already had officially announced their closing. Obviously, they’ve come to terms with Formlabs in very short time.

Founded in 2013 with headquarters in Vancouver, Canada, the company enables designers and brands to share, market, and sell 3D designs.

“Pinshape has grown to be one of the largest and most respected 3D design marketplaces online, and we owe this success to our community of talented designers and makers,” said Lucas Matheson, co-founder and CEO of Pinshape. “We’re thrilled that Pinshape is joining Formlabs and excited for our community. The Formlabs team is amazing; they’re building some of the best-in-class technologies in 3D printing and continue to break new ground in the industry.”

“3D printing is greater than just Formlabs,” said Dávid Lakatos, head of product at Formlabs. “By connecting Pinshape’s thriving community and rich hub of 3D content to Formlabs’ tools of innovation and resources, we help fantastic designs find form. As 3D printing demand continues unabated among professionals and prosumers, we’re excited about joining forces with Pinshape to extend our reach in the market and ecosystem.”

What do you think of the new 3D printing couple? How will it change the companies? Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.