Optomec, TNSC form alliance for reselling 3-D printers

Albuquerque, N.M.-based Optomec, a supplier of production-grade additive manufacturing (AM) systems for 3-D printed metals and 3-D printed electronics, has announced a strategic alliance with Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corp. (TNSC), a supplier of industrial, specialty, and electronic gases, as well as metal welding systems.

This strategic alliance will enable TNSC and its subsidiary Matheson to resell Optomec Lens 3-D printers as part of a total AM system that includes gases, powder feed stock, and metal heat-treatment techniques. In addition, Optomec will expand Lens product sales by using TNSC group sales network in Japan, the U.S., and Asia. As part of the alliance, TNSC also has made a capital investment in Optomec.

TNSC organizes dedicated technical teams for AM technology at its gas application R&D lab in Yamanashi, Japan, and will feature an Optomec Lens printer to be used for applied technical support, demonstration services, and creation of AM processes.