GF Machining Solutions (a division of GF) and additive-manufacturing company 3D Systems (with headquarters in Rock Hill, South Carolina) have announced their strategic co-operation to jointly develop integrated manufacturing solutions based on 3-D printing (www.gfms.com) .

The partnership includes the development of a new generation of 3-D printing solutions that will combine 3D Systems’ metals additive manufacturing expertise with GF Machining Solutions’ subtractive metal manufacturing expertise, thereby enabling more seamless and efficient work-flow solutions through the integration of 3-D printers, materials, software and electrical discharge machining (EDM), as well as milling and laser equipment.

The aim is to produce complex metal parts within tight tolerances at a lower total cost.

The launch of the partnership will take place at next week’s IMTS exhibition. It is expected to include the unveiling of a new additive-manufacturing machine developed by the two companies.

GF CEO Yves Serra said: “We are excited about this new partnership. With the combined experience and expertise of 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions, we are well positioned to bring to our customers new manufacturing solutions based on 3-D printing.”

Vyomesh Joshi, CEO of 3D Systems (www.3dsystems.com), said: “The 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions partnership brings together two customer-centric innovators to redefine metals manufacturing.

"As industry leaders, both companies share the same vision for transforming manufacturing. We are looking forward to delivering integrated technology solutions that provide customers with a significant competitive advantage through reduced production time, faster time to part, and overall lower total cost of operation.”