Freedom of Creation aquired by 3D Systems May 16

Why would a 3D printer manufacturer buy a product design company?

On May 12th 3D printer manufacturer 3D Systems announced that it acquired Freedom of Creation (FOC), a product design company focusing on 3D printing. On the one hand, there is a certain logic to this since both companies are based on 3D printing, but it’s unusual for an equipment manufacture to buy a company that uses the equipment. 3D Systems makes machines for industry, and FOC makes consumer products.

This acquision is made more interesting by the fact that 3D Systems has been buying a wide variety of different 3D printing-related companies lately. Their collection suggests a complete network of 3D printing based companies with a presence is every part of the industry.

So what are they planning on doing with their new companies?

Via Freedom of Creation and Fabbaloo

Posted in 3D Printing, Taylor Gilbert by Taylor Gilbert | Comments are off for this post

Make your own stuff using: 3D Printing

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3 Responses to “Freedom of Creation aquired by 3D Systems”

  1. 3D Systems acquire FOC: Ponoko ask why? | Point of Use Says:
    May 16th, 2011 at 5:00 pm

    [...] before. FOC is primarily situated in the (consumer/luxury goods) design sphere… which is why Ponoko asked: ‘why would 3D systems acquire Freedom of Creation: Why would a 3D printer [...]

  2. Kristen Turner Says:
    May 25th, 2011 at 6:43 pm

    Another good post on this: http://develop3d.com/blog/2011/05/3d-systems-gearing-up-for-the-mainstreaming-of-3d-printing

  3. How 3D printing is changing consumer products « Ponoko – Blog Says:
    June 3rd, 2011 at 10:33 pm

    [...] an audience member asked about his selling Freedom of Creation to 3D Systems, Kyttanen responded that the acquisition was the best way to keep moving towards the new industry [...]