#3DExpress: Trouble on the Horizon for Nano Dimension and Nexa3D?
It may be the holiday season, but the additive manufacturing sector is not sleeping peacefully while waiting for Santa Claus. In this week’s 3DExpress, we start with some of the big news you might have missed this week from Nano Dimension and Nexa3D, who are both struggling in the face of a turbulent 2024. Next, learn more about Ursa Major’s successful 3D printed rocket test and the relaunch of Shapeways. Last but not least, Bambu Lab has shown its holiday spirit with an online tool for printing Christmas decorations. Perfect for those who haven’t yet decked the halls. Happy reading and have a great weekend!
Nano Dimension in Trouble?
If you follow the latest news in additive manufacturing, you’ll be familiar with the name Nano Dimension, which has been making quite a few waves in the industry in recent years. Now, a few days ago, its CEO, Yoav Stern, lost his seat on the board of directors although not his position as CEO, which did not go unnoticed by the market. This week, new developments took place: six board directors resigned, with immediate effect, leaving the management to four members, all of whom have Murchinson’s support. Murchinson is one of Nano Dimension’s shareholders, and has been challenging the company’s management and decisions for several years. This news does not bode well for the manufacturer. The Board of Directors has previously express reservations about the Markforged Holding Corporation and Desktop Metal acquisitions. Perhaps these mergers will not go ahead – only time will tell.
Yoav Stern CEO of Nano Dimension (photo credits: SME)
Nexa3D Is Scaling Back
Adding onto the Nano Dimension news, Nexa3D also seems to be in hot water this week. The company has released an “important message” to the Nexa3D community, where it has confirmed that it is facing significant funding challenges. This in turn has prompted Nexa3D to decide to scale back operations as they cannot continue in the current form. In the email, the Nano Dimension team confirmed, “While this chapter is incredibly difficult, we remain optimistic about the future of innovation and collaboration in the 3D printing industry, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of the work we began together.” The company also confirms that it will try to ensure a smooth transition, providing clear guidance to Nexa3D customers for next steps and support availability.
Nexa3D’s booth at Formnext (photo credits: Nexa3D)
Ursa Major Rocket Engine Successfully Tested
Further proof that additive manufacturing is having a major impact in aeronautics: Ursa Major has just successfully tested its solid rocket motor on a missile for the US Army. The engine was designed using the company’s Lynx method, which combines 3D metal printing and other manufacturing techniques to design several engines on a single production line, all without tooling and with reduced manpower. The result is lower costs, greater flexibility and greater speed. In any case, the test carried out by the US Army demonstrates the capabilities of 3D printing in the defense sector. Ursa Major’s technology should give them a major advantage on the battlefield.
Testing the 3D printed engine (photo credits: Ursa Major)
Shapeways Continues its Relaunch
Remember the Thangs platform we introduced back in 2020? It’s a 3D file finder supported by a growing online community. It has just been acquired by Shapeways. The Dutch company is back on its feet after a few gloomy months and announcements that suggested it was going out of business. The takeover is part of the company’s recovery strategy. Marleen Vogelaar, CEO of Shapeways, adds, “The team behind Thangs really love their creators and community — and they take good care of them: which is exactly in line with the original spirit of Shapeways. Equally importantly their 3D search technology powered by Physna protects the IP of their creators which is incredibly important to me and the rest of the management team.”
Bambu Lab provides online tool for printing Christmas decorations
December 24th is approaching and your tree isn’t decorated yet? Don’t worry, Bambu Lab has you covered! The popular 3D printing manufacturer has launched the Christmas Ornament Maker online tool this holiday season, allowing users to design and then print various ornaments. At the beginning of the workflow, all you have to do is select a basic pattern, which you can then personalize as you wish. For example, you can add snowflakes, Santas or lettering. You then export your design in STL format or as 3MF and can print your Christmas decorations. Best of all? It is not necessary to use a Bambu Lab printer to get these last-minute Christmas ornaments.
Christmas Decorations from Bambu Lab’s new tool (photo credits: Bambu Lab)
What do you think of the news about Nano Dimension and Nexa3D? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.
