Mar 15, 2017 | By Tess
Illinois-based construction corporation Caterpillar Inc. has announced a three-year partnership with German additive manufacturing company FIT AG. Through the partnership, the companies will work together to design and 3D print aluminum and titanium parts destined for Caterpillar’s large-scale construction machinery.
Caterpillar, which has dabbled with 3D printing technologies in the past (3D printing multi-material surgical heart models, launching a 3D printing accelerator at its Illinois HQ), seems to want to increase its stake in the technology. Through the new partnership with additive manufacturing solutions provider FIT AG, the construction company will seek to benefit further from 3D printing, specifically in the heavy manufacturing sector.
Similarly, FIT AG will gain insight through Caterpillar’s manufacturing and product expertise, expanding its own experience in the industrial equipment market. Carl Fruther, CEO of FIT AG, said of the partnership: “We are thrilled to enter into a strategic alliance with Caterpillar. Caterpillar is a world leader in many markets, which will benefit greatly from additive manufacturing. However, this requires innovative technologies and new thinking combined with experience and deep know-how. Our companies complement each other with their respective strengths.”
Based in Lupburg, Germany, FIT AG is one of Germany’s leading providers of rapid prototyping services and additive manufacturing solutions. The company, which was founded in 1995, has grown to employ 250 people and has operations in its home of Lupburg, as well as Hamburg, Germany, and in Boston.
Stacey DelVecchio, Caterpillar Additive Manufacturing Project Manager stated: “Caterpillar has a long history of creating innovative products designed to fit the needs of our customers and entering into a strategic alliance with a leader in additive manufacturing will help further that tradition. Not only will Caterpillar now have access to FIT AG’s cutting-edge technologies in additive manufacturing but this alliance will also help accelerate our adoption of 3D printing.”
As mentioned, the additive manufacturing partnership between FIT AG and Caterpillar was signed for a three-year term. Depending on the success of the partnership after that period, the alliance could very well be extended.
Caterpillar Inc. was founded in 1925 and has grown to become one of the most recognized and established construction companies in the U.S. Currently, the company is the subject of some significant controversy, as it is facing allegations of tax evasion.
FIT AG recently made headlines for investing $1.1 million into Polish 3D printer manufacturer Sinterit.
Posted in 3D Printer Company
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