GE Additive has now announced its new manufacturing partner network. The purpose of GE’s MPN is to analyze and address the lack of accessibility, funding and expertise for additive manufacturing.
The company announced this new venture at the Farnborough International Airshow, where they let everyone know that Burloak Technologies, Carpenter and Protolabs are their new partners. All companies involved understand the potential and capabilities of AM. The companies wish to improve the industry through direct demand generation and knowledge sharing across the network.
As part of the knew Memorandum of Understanding, the 3 companies will invest in GE’s equipment, services, software and materials. Burloak will also host GE’s tech at their center of excellence, due to open this year. “We have developed a strategic plan for the industrialisation of additive manufacturing. Our participation in GE’s MPN strengthens this plan and will allow us to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing.” Said Peter Adams, Co-Founder and President of Burloak Technologies.
Similarly, Protolabs will GE’s products to its comprehensive range of manufacturing tools. This includes over 150 AM devices, 600 CNC mills, and over 225 injection moulding presses.
GE Manufacturing Partner Network
GE Additive’s Customer Experience Centres in Munich and Pittsburg are also involved in the processes of the network. They’ll help support customers with prototyping and low-volume production, while acting as a bridge to the MPN.
“We know first-hand that the transition from prototyping to volume production is possibly the biggest step on any company’s additive journey and that can be daunting,” said Jason Oliver, President & CEO of GE Additive. “The MPN is designed to give companies a range of options to help them progress and continue innovating by connecting them with a choice of trusted additive production partners to give them peace of mind, in a cost-efficient way.”
In a statement Vicki Holt President and CEO of Protolabs stated the intention to democratize industrial 3D printing. While Carpenter has been hush about their role in the MPN, they will make a formal statement tomorrow. Although little is clear about the network, the size of the companies involved is promising on its own. Investment by major players in the industry is always a good sign.
Featured image courtesy of GE Additive.