ExOne and voxeljet Unite: Expanding Global 3D Printing Services and Shaping the Future of Additive Manufacturing

Munich, Germany / North Huntingdon, USA – October 28, 2025 – The global additive manufacturing (AM) industry is witnessing a landmark event as two long-standing rivals and pioneers in industrial-scale binder jet 3D printing, ExOne and voxeljet, have formally united under a single holding company: ExOne Global Holdings. Backed by the US-based industrial technology investment firm Anzu Partners, this strategic move not only consolidates their positions but also promises to reshape the landscape of global 3D printing services, particularly in metal casting and large-format production applications.

A Historic Alliance in Additive Manufacturing

This merger marks the end of an era of competition and the beginning of a new chapter of collaboration. ExOne and voxeljet, each with a rich history of developing and deploying industrial 3D printing solutions, will now combine their expertise and resources. This decision follows Anzu Partners gaining control of voxeljet in July 2025 and having previously acquired ExOne from Desktop Metal after its Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring earlier in 2025. Desktop Metal had acquired ExOne in 2021 for approximately $575 million but later divested it due to financial pressures.

Global Scale and Reach

The newly formed ExOne Global Holdings now represents an impressive global additive manufacturing network, featuring:

• More than 500 industrial 3D printing systems deployed worldwide across customers on every inhabited continent.
• Maintenance of existing subsidiaries and regional operations in Germany, the USA, Japan, China, and India, ensuring localized customer support and leadership.

This combination creates a more robust entity, capable of offering more comprehensive services and support to its global customer base.

Leadership and Strategic Vision

To lead this new entity, Eric Bader, ExOne GmbH’s managing director, has been appointed CEO of ExOne Global Holdings. Rudolf Franz, the former CEO of voxeljet AG, will step down and join the holding company’s board. This leadership transition is expected to provide continuity and strategic direction for the integration process.

The primary goals of the unification are to:

• Expand product lines: By combining the complementary technologies of both companies.
• Deepen aftermarket support: Offering more extensive service and technical assistance.
• Enhance global print service capabilities: Broadening the network of on-demand 3D printing services.
• Accelerate innovation: Leveraging shared R&D to develop cutting-edge solutions.

Synergistic Strengths and Technological Benefits

This merger is particularly significant in the realm of digital sand casting and large-format investment casting. ExOne is renowned for its strengths in digital sand casting, while voxeljet has extensive expertise in large-format industrial printing, specifically for sand and investment casting applications. This combination brings together a diverse product portfolio, including 7 voxeljet and 3 ExOne printing systems capable of producing parts in sand, ceramics, and polymers.

The integration of these complementary technologies will enable ExOne Global Holdings to offer more comprehensive solutions to customers, ranging from rapid prototyping to mass production of complex parts. Large automotive companies such as BMW have already adopted voxeljet’s large-format 3D printing systems, demonstrating the technology's potential in advanced manufacturing.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

The ExOne-voxeljet merger reflects a larger trend within the additive manufacturing industry: the consolidation of specialists to achieve greater scale, efficiency, and global competitiveness. By combining resources, the new company can invest more heavily in research and development, accelerating the adoption of 3D printing technologies across industries such as automotive, aerospace, and industrial casting.

For investors, this merger creates a stronger entity with significant growth potential in the evolving AM market. Managers and technical experts will benefit from a single provider with a broader product portfolio, better support, and faster innovation capabilities. Anzu Partners, with its investments in related advanced manufacturing technologies such as 6K’s microwave plasma-based nano-powders, is positioning itself for broader influence across the additive manufacturing supply chain and innovation landscape.

This merger is not just a business transaction but a statement of vision for the future of manufacturing. By offering more scalable, efficient, and versatile 3D printing solutions, ExOne Global Holdings is poised to drive innovation and growth in industries that rely on complex cast parts. To better understand the role of materials like aluminum in mechanical engineering, you might refer to The role of aluminum in mechanical engineering: A strategic material for machine manufacturing.

In conclusion, the unification of ExOne and voxeljet under ExOne Global Holdings is a pivotal strategic move, creating a powerhouse in industrial binder jet 3D printing. This alliance promises to significantly expand global 3D printing services, drive innovation, and solidify their position in key markets, particularly metal casting.

References:

• 3dprintingindustry.com
• develop3d.com
• engineering.com
• voxelmatters.com
• exone.com
• 3dprint.com
• fabbaloo.com
• additivemanufacturing.media
• voxeljet.com