GERMANY - Siemens Energy, ZEISS, and Ninepointfive are launching a joint venture initiative - a new digital platform for on-demand additive manufacturing services.

Additive manufacturing (AM) has taken on a major role in the development and production of components and spare parts for Siemens Energy in recent years. In addition to setting up its own AM production lines and acquiring AM service provider Materials Solutions in 2016, the company is now expanding its commitment in this area with its investment in the start-up MakerVerse digital platform.

The new venture is creating a one-stop fulfillment platform that connects industrial clients with a global network of certified additive manufacturing suppliers for projects like design prototypes and producing on-demand spare parts.

The platform covers the full technological service spectrum, starting with core 3D printing/additive manufacturing technologies in the initial launch phase and expanding into further relevant on-demand technologies such as CNC and injection molding in the near future, Siemens Energy said in a press release.

The platform offers features including instant quoting, automated manufacturability checks, streamlined supplier and quality management, and industrial-level quality assurance. The platform will be based in Berlin, with its initial focus on the European market. The public launch of the platform is planned for mid-2022.

Siemens Energy's AM facilities in Berlin (Germany) and Finspang (Sweden) and the Materials Solutions branches in Worcester (UK) and Orlando (U.S.) are primarily using laser-power bed fusion technology (L-PBF). Siemens Energy is also constantly looking for new methods and new partners to optimize its supply chains of spart parts and specialized tooling for its customer base, the company said in a press release.

Source: Siemens Energy