\n\tOerlikon, 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.<\/p>\n
\n\tWith 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.<\/p>\n
\n\tCitim’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.<\/p>\n
\n\tAlthough 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.<\/p>\n