Desktop Metal Acquires ExOne: Expanding 3D Printing Capabilities

Desktop Metal to Acquire ExOne in $575 Million Deal

During its recent earnings call, Desktop Metal revealed its intention to acquire ExOne. The Pennsylvania-based company specializes in the development of diverse industrial 3D printers, serving sectors such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and defense.

ExOne's Mobile Additive Manufacturing Solutions

Previously, we covered ExOne’s innovative portable 3D printing factories. These are essentially self-contained additive manufacturing facilities constructed within standard shipping containers.

In February, ExOne received a $1.6 million grant from the Department of Defense. The aim was to deploy these systems directly into operational environments.

Field-Deployable Capabilities

Each mobile unit incorporates a 3D scanning station, complete with computing resources, and a range of robust industrial equipment. This includes metal and ceramic printers, a curing oven, a fiber-reinforced plastic printer, and a compression modeling station.

According to ExOne’s CEO, John Hartner, in a statement to TechCrunch, the company is concentrating on government applications—specifically the DoD, NASA, and DoE.

Hartner explained that this approach represents a form of decentralized, forward-deployed manufacturing. It’s designed for use in emergencies, humanitarian efforts, or to support warfighters on the front lines.

Transaction Details

The acquisition, valued at $575 million, involves Desktop Metal purchasing all outstanding common stock of ExOne.

Statements from Leadership

Desktop Metal CEO Ric Fulop expressed enthusiasm about integrating ExOne into the company. He stated the goal is to establish a leading additive manufacturing portfolio focused on mass production.

Fulop believes the acquisition will offer customers greater choice by combining complementary technologies and sales strategies to stimulate further growth. He views this as a significant step toward realizing their vision of accelerating the adoption of additive manufacturing 2.0.

Strategic Acquisitions by Desktop Metal

Desktop Metal has been proactively pursuing acquisitions to expand its 3D printing capabilities since announcing its plans to become a publicly traded company through a SPAC merger last August.

In January, the company acquired EnvisionTEC for $300 million.

Looking Ahead

Hartner commented on the announcement, expressing excitement about joining forces with Desktop Metal. He highlighted a shared vision of additive manufacturing at high production volumes and a commitment to a more sustainable future.

He anticipates that the combined platforms will better serve customers, accelerate the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies, and enhance shareholder value. Ultimately, Hartner believes their technologies will facilitate crucial innovations at production scales capable of positively impacting the world.