Oerlikon acquires citim additive manufacturing technologies

Pfäffikon, Schwyz, Switzerland – Oerlikon has acquired citim of Germany, a company in additive manufacturing design and production of metal components. The acquisition expands Oerlikon’s additive manufacturing technology and service portfolio with established 3D printing capabilities in Europe and in the U.S. Both parties agreed not to disclose the financial details of the transaction.

Oerlikon’s knowledge in the engineering of industrial components, materials, and closely related technologies such as thermal spray and thin-film coating position it to take part in the industrialization of additive manufacturing. The citim acquisition adds expertise in additive manufacturing production services and paves the way for Oerlikon to become an independent service provider for additive manufacturing components. citim’s expertise is in metal additive manufacturing for small-series production and functional prototypes. The company’s Barleben, Germany, and Kennesaw, Georgia, production sites serve aerospace, energy, medical, and automotive industries with around 120 employees.

Oerlikon has more than 13 500 employees at more than 170 locations in 37 countries. 

Oerlikon to build Michigan additive manufacturing materials plant
On Nov. 11, 2016, Oerlikon officials announced the company will build a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Plymouth Township, Michigan, dedicated to producing advanced materials for additive manufacturing and high-end surface coatings. The facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2017.

The new facility will produce advanced titanium alloys for additive manufacturing and some high-end thermal spray powders. In addition, the facility will house a state-of-the-art research & development (R&D) lab for further developments of titanium and other alloys (e.g. nickel, copper, iron, and cobalt), for joint R&D projects with customers, and be able to produce customized powders in small batches.

In the first phase, Oerlikon plans to invest approximately $50 million in the facility and employ approximately 70 staff. The new facility complements Oerlikon Metco’s existing site in Troy, Michigan, which produces advanced materials for surface solutions.

Source: Oerlikon