Oerlikon, Switzerland, announces that it has acquired Citim, a German additive manufacturing specialist, as it aims to expand its 3D printing capabilities in Europe and the United States. A specialist in small-series production of metal 3D printed products, Citim also makes functional prototypes.
With the acquisition of Citim, Oerlikon has a particular plan in mind: to become an independent service provider for 3D printed components, with all steps in the additive manufacturing process offered from a single source.
Citim’s main area of expertise is metal additive manufacturing for small-series production and functional prototypes, serving high-tech industries such as aviation, automotive, and energy. In 2015, Citim generated $11.8 million in sales and profitability, around the same level as the operating margin of the Surface Solutions Segment.
Although Citim will remain the 3D printing expert of the two parties, Oerlikon is already well positioned to transition into additive manufacturing, as it offers a portfolio of advanced metal-based materials and processing technologies, including metal powders suitable for 3D printing processes such as Selective Laser Melting and Selective Laser Sintering.
“Citim and Oerlikon’s technology and expertise fully complement each other,” says Frank Lehmann, CEO and owner of Citim. “As part of the Oerlikon Group, Citim will be able to offer its global customer base enhanced AM technologies and competencies and a comprehensive range of services along the entire value chain.”
Added Oerlikon CEO Dr. Roland Fischer, “The competencies and team from Citim will serve to consolidate our position in the additive manufacturing business, and will help us to become an independent service provider for the production of additively manufactured components. We will continue to make targeted investments in the additive manufacturing market to solidify our value proposition.”
