3-D Printing Giants Combine as Stratasys Acquires MakerBot

Stratasys, makers of 3-D printers for healthcare applications including rapid prototyping and R&D, has made a power play in the 3-D printer market by acquiring MakerBot.

The merger, which is expected to be finalized in third-quarter 2013, will expand Stratasys's already wide range of industrial 3-D printers to include desktop 3D printers produced by MakerBot. MakerBot's brand of small 3-D printers intended for home use have become a staple among 3-D printing enthusiasts and have gathered a loyal following among prosumers including engineers, designers, architects, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and individuals, for professional purposes, as well as for personal applications. MakerBot's Thingiverse.com, is the largest collection of downloadable digital designs for making physical objects, including some medical devices and prototypes.  

Under the new acquisition, MakerBot will continue to operate as a separate subsidiary to Stratasys, preserving its existing brand, management, and business relationships. "MakerBot's 3-D printers are rapidly being adopted by CAD-trained designers and engineers," says Stratasys CEO David ReisCEO. "Bre Pettis [CEO and co-founder of MakerBot] and his team at MakerBot have built the strongest brand in the desktop 3-D printer category by delivering an exceptional user experience. MakerBot has impressive products, and we believe that the company's strategy of making 3-D printing accessible and affordable will continue to drive adoption.”

"The last couple of years have been incredibly inspiring and exciting for us," says Pettis. "We have an aggressive model for growth, and partnering which will allow us to supercharge our mission to empower individuals to make things using a MakerBot, and allow us to bring 3-D technology to more people.”

For anyone doubting the versatility of 3-D printing and its potential impact, it's worth noting that Statasys's 3D printers were the first used to create 3-D printed guns. The company has since withdrawn its support of such efforts.

- Chris Wiltz, Associate Editor, MD+DI