Stratasys agrees to buy Origin, developer of next-gen DLP 3D printer, for $100M

Origin’s proprietary photopolymerization technology, an outgrowth of DLP principles, cures liquid photopolymer resin with light. The Origin One 3D printer controls light, heat, and force, among other parameters, via Origin’s closed-loop feedback software. The technology reportedly enhances accuracy, consistency, size, and detail while printing parts from a wide range of commercial-grade, durable resins. Origin

Additive manufacturing industry leader Stratasys Ltd. has agreed to purchase start-up Origin Inc., developer of a proprietary photopolymerization technology designed to facilitate mass-producing parts.

According to a press release issued Dec. 9, Stratasys expects Origin’s proprietary Programmable PhotoPolymerization (P³) technology to be an important growth engine, boosting incremental annual revenue for Stratasys by $200 million within five years. The acquisition will help fortify Stratasys’ leadership position in polymers and production applications of 3D printing in industries such as dental, medical, tooling, and select industrial, defense, and consumer goods segments.

“Our customers are looking for additive manufacturing solutions that enable use of industrial-grade resins for mass production of parts with process and quality control,” said Stratasys CEO Yoav Zeif. “We believe Origin’s software-driven Origin One (3D printer) is the best in the industry by combining high throughput with incredible accuracy.”

Origin’s P³ technology, an outgrowth of DLP (digital light processing) principles, cures liquid photopolymer resin with light. The Origin One controls light, heat, and force, among other parameters, via Origin’s closed-loop feedback software. The technology reportedly enhances accuracy, consistency, size, and detail while printing parts from a wide range of commercial-grade, durable resins.

“We founded Origin to create a whole new additive manufacturing platform that enables mass production of end-use parts with incredible accuracy, consistency, and throughput, along with a wide range of available materials,” said Origin CEO and cofounder Christopher Prucha. “Stratasys is the best company for us to join to achieve our vision, giving us an unparalleled opportunity to significantly expand market reach and enable us to bring our P³ technology to a larger audience.”

Under terms of the agreement, the total consideration for the transaction is comprised of $60 million paid on closing and $40 million that is subject to performance-based earnouts over three years. The acquisition will be paid using a combination of stock (approximately $45 million) and cash (approximately $55 million) at closing and throughout the earnout period.

The Origin team will join Stratasys and lead the development of its technology and product platform, with a full global launch via the Stratasys go-to-market organization around mid-2021.