Safran Will Take Stake in Specialist 3D Printing Developer
On 26 April, Safran announced a technology partnership with Prodways Group in which the two companies will pursue development of additive manufacturing (3D printing) materials and processes.
Prodways, a European leader in the field with novel materials solutions largely based on its MOVINGLight technology, achieved revenues of €25.2 million in 2016, 58% of which came from exports. The five-year framework contract agreement with Safran will see the companies collaborate in the development of printable materials and assembly processes for these materials with inorganic compounds, such as ceramics and metals, which can be applied to Safran’s products and processes. The companies might also sign specific contracts in areas such as casting, metallic parts made by indirect manufacturing, and high-temperature polymer powders for composites.
“This agreement reflects Safran’s proactive policy on additive manufacturing,” Stéphane Cueille, Safran Executive Vice President, R&T and Innovation, noted. “Safran is already at the cutting edge of this field, and uses 3D printing technology to make parts and subassemblies for its engines, as well as aircraft and defence equipment. Through this agreement, the two companies will be able to pool their skills to effectively transform the technology building blocks offered by Prodways into additive manufacturing processes for Safran products.”
Safran Corporate Ventures, along with Fimalac and BNPP, has already subscribed convertible bonds prior to the listing of Prodways Group on Euronext Paris, announced today and has also pledged to subscribe to the company’s capital increase, as have Bpifrance and Financière Arbevel.