TRUMPF, Sisma Enter JV for 3-D Printing

July 25, 2014
News Release
Metalworking

TRUMPF has entered a joint venture in additive manufacturing with Italian laser manufacturer Sisma, with both partners bringing expertise, human resources, and capital to the effort.

The newly formed TRUMPF Sisma S.r.l. is based in Piovene Rocchette near Vicenza, Italy. There the companies plan to co-develop production systems for the 3-D printing of metal components.

Additive manufacturing enables nearly any component to be manufactured directly from a 3-D design program. The parts are created layer by layer from metallic powder, using the power of the laser.

Today companies from diverse sectors are replacing conventional methods by qualifying components and products for additive manufacturing. In response, TRUMPF is working on rapid entry into this market—both at its headquarters in Ditzingen, Germany, as well as together with Sisma.

“Many machines on the market today are aimed more at prototype construction,” explained Dr. Peter Leibinger, head of TRUMPF Laser Technology. “In the future, however, the most important criterion where additive manufacturing lines are concerned will be their suitability for industrial applications.”

Sisma began development work on an additive manufacturing machine for the production of small metallic components several years ago and brings this expertise to the joint venture. TRUMPF first entered the sector in 2000.