3D Systems acquiring cloud-based MOS company Oqton

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Rock Hill-headquartered 3D printing company 3D Systems is acquiring cloud-based Manufacturing Operating System company Oqton, based in Belgium, in a $180 million deal expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year.  

Oqton’s artificial intelligence-enabled MOS platform will help automate scalable digital manufacturing production and allow 3D Systems to expand the availability of its simulation software to industries including dentistry, health care, biotech, aerospace and automotive. Oqton will continue to operate as an independent organization, according to a news release from 3D Systems.  

“Customers across our industrial and health care segments are accelerating the adoption of additive manufacturing into production environments,” Jeffrey Graves, 3D Systems president and CEO, said in the release. “They have increasingly identified the need for a manufacturing software platform that can easily and intelligently incorporate not only the printers themselves but all digital production systems and key enterprise software to optimize the entire workflow, from raw material to finished and inspected components.” 

Customers can use Oqton’s MOs platform in 3D printing, robotic welding, machining, finishing and inspection operations, among other advanced manufacturing technologies.   

“We are excited about joining with 3D Systems and look forward to leveraging their knowledge, resources, and ability to continue to innovate and deliver solutions that help companies accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing in production environment,” Ben Schrauwen, CEO and co-founder of Oqton, said. “At the same time, we bring our deep expertise in artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and machine learning, which will help our customers and partners to scale and connect different manufacturing processes in a wide range of health care, bio-tech and industrial market verticals.” 

The transaction comprises cash and 3D Systems’ stock, with the run rate revenue from software expected to exceed $100 million by 2025.