The acquisition of Kumovis will allow 3D Systems to add an advanced extrusion technology to its polymer printing healthcare portfolio, in addition to expanding its addressable market for personalised healthcare applications
3D Systems has agreed to acquire healthcare additive manufacturing solutions provider Kumovis. (Credit: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay)
3D Systems has agreed to acquire Germany-based additive manufacturing solutions firm Kumovis to expand its healthcare applications portfolio.
Based in Munich, Kumovis provides solutions for personalised healthcare applications.
The company’s solutions, which are developed using an advanced extrusion technology, are suitable for precision printing of medical-grade and high-performance polymers such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK).
The materials are mostly used for human implants and surgical instrumentation applications. In combination with the Kumovis 3D printing technology, the materials help surgeons deliver better economical patient outcomes.
The acquisition of Kumovis will allow 3D Systems to add an advanced extrusion technology to its polymer printing healthcare portfolio, in addition to expanding its addressable market for personalised healthcare applications.
3D Systems president and CEO Dr Jeffrey Graves said: “The addition of the Kumovis team – their expertise and technology – will be highly synergistic to our medical business model.
“Our proven ability to deliver regulatory-approved, implantable 3D printed medical devices, personalized to improve patient outcomes, to surgeons around the world through our exceptional channel partners, will help ensure that the Kumovis PEEK-based offerings can be brought to market quickly and effectively.”
PEEK is said to be a suitable material to produce medical devices, as it is lightweight and resistant to thermal and ionising radiation. It also contains mechanical properties similar to human bone.
Kumovis’ additive manufacturing solutions will enable 3D Systems to expand its offering for medical devices and point of care markets, including craniomaxillofacial applications, bone plates for trauma and spinal cages.
The deal is expected to be completed in April this year.