Sandvik has acquired a significant stake in Italian metal additive manufacturing (AM) firm Beam IT to strengthen the company’s offer in metal additive manufacturing.

“The investment is also in line with Sandvik’s strategic ambition to become a leading solution provider for the wider component manufacturing industry,” the news release says.

Swedish company Sandvik recently announced it has acquired a 30% stake in Beam IT, an Italy-based provider of metal additive manufacturing services and 3D printed end-use components for a range of industries, including automotive, energy and aerospace.

Sandvik’s investment in the company, which could increase over time per the terms of the agreement, demonstrates the Swedish company’s intention to extend its additive manufacturing business. Since 2013, the company has increased its investments in additive manufacturing technologies significantly, with a particular focus on Powder Bed Fusion and Binder Jetting technologies.

“The investment in Beam IT will complement our existing offer in additive manufacturing,” said Lars Bergström, President of Sandvik Machining Solutions.

‘It is also in line with Sandvik’s strategic ambition to become a leading solution provider for the wider component manufacturing industry.”

Beam IT additive manufacturing facility
As a supplier of metal 3D printed components for a number of industries, Beam-IT holds many quality certifications to meet the needs of its customers, including AS 9100 for aerospace and NADCAP approval. The company, which has over 20 years of AM experience, currently operates over 20 powder bed fusion 3D printers, two of which were recently acquired from SLM Solutions.

“The AM sector is developing fast and there is a need for AM-specialist-partners with the advanced skills and resources required to help industrial customers develop and launch their AM programmes,” said Kristian Egeberg, President of the Additive Manufacturing division in Sandvik. “With this investment we provide our customers with the opportunity to access the complementary and combined power of Sandvik and Beam IT.”

Mauro Antolotti, Chairman and founder of Beam IT, added: “The demand for additively manufactured components is expected to grow rapidly the coming years. In Sandvik, we have a very good owner who can help us accelerate the growth and who can provide us with leading materials expertise, development of high-quality metal powder suited for all AM processes, as well as world-leading post-processing know-how.”

Last year, Beam IT reportedly generated revenues of about $7.5 million (70 million SEK). The company currently employs 38 people. Specific terms of Sandvik’s purchase price were not disclosed.