Wiktor Wise
General Electric has been investing in 3D printing companies since at least 2005, when it was one of the first customers of Optomec, a 3D printing company. In 2016, GE acquired Morris Technologies, an American additive manufacturing pioneer based in Cincinnati. Later that year, GE bought a majority stake in two European 3D printing companies, Arcam AB and SLM Solutions, for $1.4 billion. GE also took a majority stake in Concept Laser, a German maker of 3D printers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of acquisition | 2016 |
| Number of companies acquired | 2 |
| Names of companies acquired | Arcam AB, SLM Solutions Group AB |
| Country of acquired companies | Sweden, Germany |
| Amount spent on acquisitions | $1.4 billion |
| Amount spent on 3D printing investments since 2010 | $1.5 billion |
| Amount spent on Optomec investment | $6 million |
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What You'll Learn
GE's acquisition of Arcam AB and SLM Solutions Group AB cost $1.4 billion
In 2016, General Electric (GE) announced its acquisition of two European 3D printing companies, Arcam AB and SLM Solutions Group AB, for $1.4 billion. GE's push into the digital realm with these acquisitions was aimed at expanding its manufacturing capabilities. The company expected to grow its new additive manufacturing business to $1 billion in revenue by 2020 and achieve significant cost savings of $3-5 billion over the next decade.
Arcam AB, a Swedish company, invented the electron beam melting machine for metal-based additive manufacturing. They also produce advanced metal powders used in the printing process. On the other hand, SLM Solutions Group AB, a German company, specializes in laser machines for metal-based additive manufacturing. Both companies have a history of serving the aerospace and healthcare industries, and SLM Solutions also has a presence in the energy and automotive sectors.
The acquisition of these two leading suppliers of metal-based 3D printing equipment was a strategic move by GE to increase its production of aircraft components and other parts through additive manufacturing. The technology would be utilized within GE's Aviation division, particularly benefiting its jet engine business, which has been the primary user of additive manufacturing within the company. However, GE also intended to extend the use of 3D printing to its power turbine and medical equipment businesses.
GE's investment in 3D printing technology dates back several years before the Arcam and SLM Solutions acquisitions. In 2015, GE invested in Optomec, a 3D printing company specializing in the Internet of Things applications. This investment was driven by Optomec's technology, which aligned with GE's strategic initiatives. Additionally, in 2016, GE acquired a majority stake in Concept Laser, a German maker of 3D printers, marking its first foray into designing a mass-production process for a line of its own printers.
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GE's push into the digital realm
General Electric's push into the digital realm involves a series of strategic acquisitions and investments in 3D printing technology. In 2015, GE acquired Morris Technologies, an American additive manufacturing pioneer based in Cincinnati, using 3D printing to develop advanced components for jet engines. This was followed by taking majority stakes in two European 3D printing companies in 2016: Concept Laser, a German engineering company, and Arcam AB, a Swedish manufacturer of 3D printers and metal powders. GE spent a total of $1.4 billion on these acquisitions, doubling its investments in 3D printing technology over the previous five years.
The company's CEO of Aviation, David Joyce, stated that while GE's jet engine business has been the primary user of additive manufacturing, they plan to expand the use of 3D printing to their power turbine and medical equipment divisions. GE expects these acquisitions to generate significant cost savings, with potential cost reductions of $3-5 billion across the company by utilising 3D printing technology to lower design and material expenses.
GE's investments in 3D printing have allowed them to develop intricate and complex components for their products. For instance, at their Aviation Additive Technology Center in Cincinnati, they produce fuel nozzles for the GE9X jet engine, gearbox covers for the GE Catalyst turboprop engine, and fuel heaters with intricate vessel-like channels. The use of 3D printing has enabled GE to consolidate multiple parts into a single component, reducing weight and simplifying maintenance and supply chains.
Additionally, GE has invested in Optomec, a 3D printing company specialising in the Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Optomec's Aerosol Jet 5X system enables the creation of "smart" and "connected" devices by 3D-printing sensors and antennas for IoT integration. This investment aligns with GE's Industrial Internet of Things initiative, demonstrating their commitment to embracing digital transformation and staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
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GE's previous acquisition of Morris Technologies
General Electric (GE) has been pushing into the digital realm by acquiring 3D printing companies. In 2015, GE acquired Morris Technologies, an American additive manufacturing pioneer based in Cincinnati. Morris Technologies played a crucial role in developing an intricate tip for a fuel nozzle in a new jet engine called the LEAP. Following this acquisition, GE took majority stakes in Concept Laser, a German 3D printer maker, and Arcam AB, a company that produces printers and special metal powders used for printing.
GE's investment in 3D printing companies reflects its commitment to innovation and its jet engine business. In 2016, GE announced plans to spend $1.4 billion to acquire two additional 3D printing companies, Arcam AB and SLM Solutions Group AB. These acquisitions were expected to boost revenue within its 3D printing business and expand its manufacturing capabilities. GE's CEO of Aviation, David Joyce, stated that while its jet engine business has been the primary focus of additive manufacturing, the company plans to utilise 3D printing more extensively in its power turbine and medical equipment businesses.
Morris Technologies, now a part of GE, exemplifies the company's dedication to harnessing cutting-edge technology. The acquisition of Morris Technologies enabled GE to enhance its jet engine development capabilities, particularly in creating intricate fuel nozzles and improving engine performance. By integrating Morris Technologies' expertise in additive manufacturing, GE has been able to combine complex parts, reduce weight, streamline supply chains, and enhance engine performance.
GE's acquisition of Morris Technologies and subsequent investments in 3D printing companies demonstrate its strategic vision and adaptability in embracing new technologies. These acquisitions have positioned GE at the forefront of additive manufacturing, enabling the company to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and expand its capabilities in various industries, including aviation, power turbines, and medical equipment.
Overall, GE's previous acquisition of Morris Technologies and its subsequent investments in 3D printing companies underscores the company's commitment to technological advancement, innovation, and diversification. By integrating 3D printing into its operations, GE has not only enhanced its manufacturing capabilities but also positioned itself for future growth and success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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GE's investment in Optomec
General Electric (GE) has been pushing into the digital realm by acquiring 3D printing companies. In 2016, GE acquired a majority stake in Concept Laser, a German maker of 3D printers. In February 2020, GE spent $1.4 billion to acquire two European 3D printing companies, Arcam AB and SLM Solutions Group AB.
GE has also made strategic investments in Optomec, a privately held global manufacturer of systems for 3D-printing electronics and metals. Optomec's LENS 3D printers are unique in their ability to print metals onto existing non-planar structures. However, it was Optomec's Aerosol Jet technology that attracted GE's investment. The Aerosol Jet 5X system enables the high-volume production of 3D-printed antennas and sensors that can be printed directly onto plastic, ceramic, and metallic structures at extremely fine resolutions. This technology helps make consumer and industrial devices "smart" and connected, which is valuable for GE's Industrial Internet of Things initiative.
Optomec's relationship with GE dates back to 2005 when GE Global Research was one of the first customers to acquire an Aerosol Jet printed electronics system. GE has since expanded its installation with systems at Power & Water, Aviation, and Healthcare. In 2015, GE Ventures and Autodesk Inc. made strategic investments in Optomec to further the development, promotion, and deployment of Optomec's solutions for a range of production applications, including 3D Printed Sensors/Antenna, Advanced Electronics Packaging, and 3D Printed Metal.
The ultimate goal of these collaborations is to enable Optomec to offer seamless industrially hardened solutions that reduce barriers in the adoption of additive manufacturing. GE Ventures combines equity investing, new business creation, licensing, and technology transfer to drive growth for its partners and itself. GE's investment in Optomec demonstrates its commitment to embracing additive manufacturing as a next-generation production technology.
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GE's jet engine business and plans to expand 3D printing to other areas
General Electric (GE) has been utilising 3D printing technology in its jet engine business for several years. In 2015, GE Aviation's Additive Technology Center in Cincinnati, potentially the world's largest and most advanced 3D-printing and development centre, used 3D printing to develop an intricate tip for a fuel nozzle in a new jet engine called the LEAP. The LEAP nozzles, which have been in service since 2016, are 25% lighter and five times more durable than their conventional counterparts. They also feature a complex geometry that pre-mixes the jet fuel before it is fed into the combustion chamber, increasing engine efficiency.
GE has also been developing and testing its GE9X engines since 2013. The GE9X, which had its maiden flight in 2023, is the world's largest jet engine with over 300 3D-printed parts. The engine improves fuel efficiency by 10% compared to the GE90 engine, which powers most current 777 planes. This improvement is due in part to the use of titanium aluminide (TiAl) in the blades, which is difficult to manufacture without 3D printing. GE's Cameri operations, run by Avio Aero, a GE Aviation company, use 3D printers built by Arcam, a company GE acquired in 2016, to produce these blades.
In 2024, GE Aerospace announced a $650 million investment plan to scale the production of its 3D-printed jet engines, including the LEAP and GE9X engines. The investment will be used to acquire new 3D printers and upgrade engine testing facilities, with the aim of increasing production capacity to meet growing demand from commercial and defence clients. GE Aerospace will also hire over 1,000 new employees at its US-based factories, further expanding its production capacity.
In addition to its jet engine business, GE has expanded its 3D printing capabilities to other areas. In 2016, GE acquired majority stakes in two European 3D printing companies, Concept Laser, a German maker of 3D printers, and Arcam AB, which makes printers and special metal powders. These companies now form the core of GE Additive. GE has also acquired other 3D printing firms, such as Morris Technologies, an American additive manufacturing pioneer, and SLM Solutions, to boost its revenue within its 3D printing business.
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Frequently asked questions
General Electric acquired a number of 3D printing companies including Arcam AB, SLM Solutions Group AB, Optomec, and Concept Laser.
General Electric paid $1.4 billion to acquire these companies.
General Electric bought these companies to expand its manufacturing capabilities and to boost revenue within its 3D printing business.
General Electric announced its plans to acquire these companies in 2017, however, it has been investing in 3D printing companies since 2010.
The acquisitions allowed General Electric to increase its production of aircraft components and other parts through additive manufacturing. The company also expected to cut costs by $3 billion to $5 billion across the company.
