Anything seems possible in this industry. Among the metal 3D printing giants, TRUMPF has long stood out as a company poised to leave a lasting mark. Yet, in a surprising turn of events, the German machine manufacturer is now exiting the additive manufacturing (AM) sector.
The company has signed an agreement with private equity fund Lenbach Equity Opportunities III. GmbH & Co. KG (“LEO III Fund”), advised by the DUBAG Group, to sell its metal 3D printing segment as it turns its focus to its industrial core businesses instead.
No information is shared on the reasons behind this turn of events, leaving the community with several unanswered questions – the main one being: Why would a VC fund be interested in AM companies when the technology’s reputation has been damaged by other investment failures?
As a reminder
TRUMPF was among the early players in metal additive manufacturing, first entering the market in 2000 with the launch of its TrumaForm Direct Metal Deposition technology. However, the technology didn’t gain significant traction at the time—this is probably due to the fact that the potential of metal AM was still not well understood—.
In 2014, the company formed a joint venture with Italian laser specialist Sisma. The following year, it introduced its Laser Metal Fusion (LMF) and Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) technologies. Since then, the company has steadily advanced its TruPrint 3D printer portfolio, expanding its offering to support applications across aerospace, healthcare, and other sectors.
The new company
Following the completion of the transaction, a new company name and independent brand identity will be introduced gradually, although the ‘TRUMPF’ and ‘TruPrint’ brands will remain in use during the transition period.
The new group aims to establish itself as a technologically leading, internationally operating solution provider for metallic 3D printing. The focus is on the development, manufacturing, implementation, and sales of comprehensive solutions that go beyond the mere delivery of machines. As part of the carve-out, internal structures and processes will be simplified to address customer needs more quickly and effectively worldwide. Customers will benefit not only from innovative equipment but also from extensive application consulting, process development, automation solutions, and integration concepts covering the entire value chain.
In particular, the specific requirements of OEMs and their suppliers in the aerospace and medical technology industries will be addressed, as well as those of specialized contract manufacturers focusing on industrial series production in metal 3D printing. The future market strategy targets the aerospace, medical technology, dental, and general industrial sectors.
The completion of the transaction is subject to approval by relevant authorities and the fulfilment of all contractually agreed conditions.
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