Farsoon Furthers Industrial 3D Printing with New Oerlikon and AMT Partnerships, Establishment of German Subsidiary

Industrial 3D printer supplier Farsoon Technologies has had a busy week, as yesterday we heard about a new strategic agreement with BASF in order to provide customers in China with a new PA-based 3D printing material solution. Today, the company has several additional major announcements, including two partnerships and a new business.

Farsoon has signed a long-term collaboration agreement with global technology and engineering group Oerlikon for 3D printing materials, as the two companies work to increase the rate of 3D printing adoption in China.

This new agreement will facilitate the setup of a brand new business model for the additive manufacturing (AM) market in China, and boost adoption of the technology by offering customers a solution that combines fully certified metal powders from Oerlikon with Farsoon’s 3D printing systems.

“For new technologies, such as AM, partnerships and the development of new business models are key to unlocking their potential,” said Florian Mauerer, Head Business Unit AM, Oerlikon. “Working together with Farsoon, a fast-growing AM machine manufacturer with a well-established presence in China, can set a new standard in the AM industry to bring integrated quality products and services to customers.”

Per the agreement, Oerlikon, as a preferred and primary metal powder supplier, is now one of Farsoon’s global partners. Farsoon is looking to develop an open platform system for all metal 3D printers, so end users can be free to expand the boundaries of what 3D printing is capable of.

That’s why, in order for customers purchasing Farsoon 3D printers to also receive Oerlikon AM powders, Farsoon will be qualifying Oerlikon’s MetcoAdd powders for its own systems.

“We look forward to working with a company known for its excellence and quality in the metal powder industry,” said Dr. Xiaoshu Xu, Founder of Farsoon. “Partnering with Oerlikon as one of our preferred material suppliers can guarantee our customers a high level of material quality for their current and future applications.”

As part of their efforts to increase the adoption of 3D printing in industries like aerospace, automotive, power generation, and tooling, Oerlikon will also work to develop customized alloys for Farsoon’s 3D printers. The companies will also work together on several research and development projects to help, according to Farsoon, “optimize the process performance for applications,” and for the market in China specifically.

This week, both companies are exhibiting at TCT Asia 2018 in Shanghai. At booth N1-J16, Oerlikon will be showcasing a range of its metal powders and 3D printed components, while Farsoon will have its latest 3D printers on display at booth N1-G16.

While at TCT Asia this week, Farsoon has also worked out an agreement with Additive Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), which develops and manufactures post-processing solutions for the AM industry. The two will work together to provide post-processing solutions for 3D printing technology.

“AMT is delighted to enter into this agreement to supply our post processing technology and solutions to Farsoon Technology,” said AMT CEO Joseph Crabtree. “The development of Farsoon’s continuous additive manufacturing is ground breaking and our involvement in assisting the delivery of this technology is very exciting. Our companies have similar philosophies and approach, making working together a pleasure.”

Farsoon recently introduced its Continuous Additive Manufacturing Solution (CAMS) systems, including the HT1001P, which will be on display at TCT Asia this week. The industrial CAMS systems have increased cost savings, speed, and throughput, in addition to better automation. Paired with AMT’s line of automated post-processing technologies, including its PostPro3D for polymer parts, Farsoon’s existing machines and new CAMS systems will now have a more streamlined production workflow.

“We are very excited to be working with AMT to provide an end to end solution for additive. We have seen a definite movement both in China as well as globally of the additive industry moving towards manufacturing and coupled with that an increased demand for more streamlined post processing solutions,” said Don Xu, Director of Global Business for Farsoon Technologies. “AMT’s expertise in this field combined with Farsoon’s expertise in additive create a strong team with truly innovative solutions.”

Farsoon FS3300PA (PA12) polymer AM post-processed parts with AMT Vibratory (Roto) grinding technology.

Farsoon and AMT will collaborate to develop and offer complete end-to-end solutions, which will use AMT post-processing features like de-powdering, metrology, and smoothing to enhance and steady the AM workflow.

On top of these two new agreements with Oerlikon and AMT, Farsoon has just announced that it’s expanding its AM operations to Europe, and has established a new subsidiary in Germany.

The company knows how important it is to continue engaging with and supporting additive manufacturing users around the world, and established its US office last year. Now, with this new commitment, Farsoon is doing its part to encourage future AM growth in Europe. FARSOON Europe GmbH, which is now part of the company’s overall strategy for international growth, will collaborate with local customers and partners to offer more cooperation and support.

Dirk Simon

Farsoon also announced that Dirk Simon, previously the Commercial Director for BASF New Business GmbH, has been nominated as the Managing Director of its new Farsoon Europe. Starting April 1st, he will become a member of the company’s global management team.

“Europe is central to the growth of additive manufacturing. Farsoon is eager to work with and support the growing market here and we are very happy to have someone with the experience and integrity of Dirk Simon be our representative,” said Dr. Xu.

Simon has a PhD in Polymer Science and over 20 years of experience working in marketing, sales, management, and purchasing in multiple chemical companies in Germany and Switzerland, six of which were spent building up the 3D printing teams from scratch at BASF.

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