3D Systems strikes gold

The Atomic Layers: S6E24 (00171)

Atomic Layer of the Day:

The past few months haven’t been particularly successful for 3D Systems. No, nothing catastrophically bad happened—no shocks or crises—just a gradual, quarter-by-quarter stagnation. Financial results have been declining, and the stock price has been fluctuating. Compared to the hype surrounding the company a decade ago, it feels like we’re looking at two entirely different entities.

But today, 3D Systems has every reason to celebrate! The company announced a highly significant partnership—one that, in two or three years, I’ll likely revisit in my historical series with great interest.

3D Systems has teamed up with Daimler Truck and Buses in the field of decentralized spare parts manufacturing using 3D printing technology.

Joining this project as partners are Oqton and Wibu-Systems.

The solution enables decentralized production, allowing spare parts to be printed on demand closer to where they’re needed. The goal is to reduce repair times, minimize downtime, and improve supply chain efficiency for buses, trucks, and coaches.

Each partner contributes a unique piece to the puzzle:

1. Oqton provides the 3DXpert software, simplifying the 3D printing workflow.

2. Wibu-Systems ensures the protection of Daimler Buses’ intellectual property by securing access to design files.

3. 3D Systems supplies the SLS 380 3D printer (with plans to expand the system to include metal printers in the future).

The system has been made available to certified service providers through the Omniplus 3D Printing License eShop, enabling localized production of parts. The platform allows users to purchase licenses for digital part files, which can then be printed in the required quantities while maintaining full design protection through Wibu-Systems’ digital rights management tools.

That’s the gist of the official press release. However, I dug a bit deeper into the business nuances of the project and asked myself:

What do I need to do to become one of these certified service providers manufacturing 3D-printed parts for Daimler Truck and Buses?

Can I use other equipment—like a cheaper Formlabs Fuse or Sinterit Lisa? What about EOS systems?

Well, the answer is no.

To participate in this solution, the following conditions must be met:

1. You must own a license for the 3DXpert software, purchased through the Omniplus 3D Printing License eShop. This license allows you to decrypt the spare part design files and produce them in the exact quantity specified for a given order.

2. You must have the 3D Systems SLS 380 printer. In the future, Daimler Buses plans to expand support to other polymer and metal 3D printers… but only those manufactured by 3D Systems.

3. And of course you need certification from Daimler Buses to become an authorized service provider capable of printing parts.

In other words, if you don’t own 3D Systems printers, you’re out of luck. The system has been specifically designed for certified partners using their machines.

A golden opportunity! I don’t know how many companies will decide to invest in 3D Systems’ SLS technology to start producing parts for Daimler, but I do know that for anyone who already owns such a printer, this opens up an entirely new business avenue.

Unless, of course—as often happens—the licensing fees turn out to be exorbitant, and the demand for parts too low to make it financially viable. But time will tell… For now, this is an exciting project for AM!

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Atomic Layer from the Past:

01-24-2022: UltiMaker launched the S7 – the new flagship of the S-Series 3D printers.

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News & Gossip:

1. Dyndrite's 2025 "You Control the Laser" World Tour will bring hands-on workshops to key cities worldwide, showcasing its transformative LPBF software for additive manufacturing. Partnering with OEMs like EOS and Nikon SLM, Dyndrite will educate professionals in industries such as aerospace and energy. Attendees will learn advanced workflows, enhance productivity, and create high-quality metal prints. The tour highlights Dyndrite's collaborations, including breakthroughs with Elementum3D and Renishaw, driving innovation in 3D printing. For more information visit: www.dyndrite.com/2025-worldtour.

2. Elegoo has unveiled the Saturn 4 Ultra 16K 3D printer, featuring a 211.68 x 118.37 x 220 mm build volume, tilt release technology, heated vat, Wi-Fi, auto leveling, and advanced error detection. With 14 x 19 μm resolution, a new touchscreen UI, and AI camera, it offers high-quality printing and user-friendly features.

3. Batch.Works and E3D have partnered to advance sustainable additive manufacturing in the UK, supported by Innovate UK’s Smart Grant. Their project integrates Batch.Works’ AI-enabled printer with E3D components, reducing assembly time by 70%, components by 70%, and carbon emissions by 85%. The collaboration aims to establish the UK’s largest distributed smart factory network.