JPB Système, a manufacturer known for its KeyProd production monitoring solution, is taking its first steps in the AM market, by acquiring a stake in France-based 3D printer manufacturer start-up, Addimetal.
This move will enable both companies to complete and secure sharing of their respective industrial-grade metal binder jetting (MBJ) 3D printing technology knowledge for the short-run production of small, complex, lightweight and repeatable parts.
For both JPB Système and Addimetal, this means strategic collaboration in the development of the latter’s innovative open hardware platform, technology and associated process to ensure both existing and future application needs are met. In addition to financial support, Addimetal will benefit from JPB’s detailed and growing insight into the specific and appropriate application areas in which MBJ is most suited, as well as their respective requirements.
This announcement precedes a recent funding received from the French Government as part of the wide-ranging ‘France 2030’ investment programme. While the amount of the funding has not been disclosed, we do know it’s part of The France 2030 initiative, launched by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2021. The initiative comprises an overall package of €54 billion for French companies; it is designed to support innovation and accelerate the transformation of key industry sectors, in order to position France as a leading player on the world stage.
After examination by an independent expert committee, the company’s KeyProd proposal was approved by the General Secretariat for Investment (SGPI) on the basis that ‘it gives industrial companies greater operational control and is fully in line with the objectives of the France 2030 initiative – in particular its desire to increase France’s competitiveness’.
At the same time, JPB Système was also successful with its other request for support to further develop its pilot manufacturing line that deploys MBJ 3D printing technology for the creation and pre-industrialisation of aerospace parts for low-carbon aircraft.
The results of trials with MBJ to potentially produce flight-ready parts, are meeting expectations by delivering robust lighter-weight alternatives quicker and easier than traditional manufacturing methods such as machining and casting. In some trials, this has already seen JPB cut overall lead times by 80% on certain parts, and crucially, secures weight-savings of 30% – a fundamental objective for aerospace customers, the company says.
“There is currently no other French company developing this particular 3D printing technology, so for us as a leading France-based global business, to partner with an equally pioneering homegrown player with significant growth potential on an international level, is hugely significant,” concludes Damien Marc, CEO JPB Système.
JPB Système expects to have its first MBJ-produced parts in production by 2026.
Remember, you can post job opportunities in the AM Industry on 3D ADEPT Media free of charge or look for a job via our job board. Make sure to follow us on our social networks and subscribe to our weekly newsletter : Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & Instagram ! If you want to be featured in the next issue of our digital magazine or if you hear a story that needs to be heard, make sure to send it to contact@3dadept.com