A lot of activity is happening at the Swiss industrial tech company Oerlikon. It has announced the establishment of an industrial 3D printing facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, and has signed two research partnerships—with the Technical University of Munich (TU Munich) in Germany, and the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) in Russia- to delve deeper into additive manufacturing technologies and surface solutions.

The partnership with the two companies is undertaken with the vision of overcoming existing challenges in the additive manufacturing sectors of automotive, aerospace, medical, energy and related fields. Dr. Roland Fischer, CEO of Oerlikon, said that they had collaborated with the companies in lieu of the growing demand for advanced components that are lighter, carry complex designs, and can be manufactured speedily. With Oerlikon’s stronghold in material and surface technologies, they will take the technology a step ahead.

TU Munich has been engaged in projects like 3D printed infill structures, 3D printing bio-INK, and others. The letter of intent between Oerlikon and TU Munich was signed by Dr. Fischer and Prof. Dr. H.C. Mult. Wolfgang Herrmann, President of the TU Munich. The Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology is also a seasoned player in advanced manufacturing, specializing in simulation processes and dedicated materials for additive manufacturing. Prof. Dr. Alexander Kuleshov, President of the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, signed the research agreement with Oerlikon.

Prof. Dr. Michael Süss, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oerlikon said that they were proud to collaborate with leading companies in additive manufacturing and provide their vital assistance in the designing and manufacturing of industrial products. There is a lot of action happening in the additive manufacturing sector in Germany, hence it is the right time to tap the vast potential and contribute towards industrialization.