US-based 3D digital scanners manufacturer Align Technology announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Vienna-based Cubicure, a private firm that specialises in direct 3D printing solutions for polymer additive manufacturing.
The value of the deal is expected to be approximately €79M, subject to customary closing adjustments and considering Align’s existing ownership of Cubicure’s capital stock. The acquisition is slated to conclude in either Q4 2023 or early 2024.
Srini Kaza, Align’s senior vice president of product research and development, says, “Align and Cubicure have worked together for many years and our successful collaboration has contributed to breakthrough technologies and innovation in direct 3D printing.”
“The acquisition of Cubicure will not only strengthen the Align Digital Platform and our core capabilities in direct 3D printing, but their talented team, including visionary founders, engineers, and material scientists, will expand our knowledge and expertise in one of the most strategic areas of innovation over the next decade,” he adds.
“I look forward to welcoming the entire Cubicure team to Align and continuing to extend our global leadership in digital orthodontics and 3D printing,” says Kaza.
Innovating additive manufacturing
Cubicure has been developing, producing and distributing innovative materials, equipment and processes for cutting-edge 3D printing solutions since 2015. Stemming from its origins in academic research, the company aims to shape the industry’s digital future.
Cubicure’s patented ‘Hot Lithography’ technology features a special heating and coating mechanism that facilitates the processing of highly viscous resins to produce durable and temperature-resistant polymers.
This precision 3D printing process enables the creation of resilient components with unparalleled material quality performance.
The company claims that this process allows for the creation of resilient components with exceptional material quality performance, marking a significant advancement in additive manufacturing.
Joe Hogan, Align Technology president and CEO, says, “As the pioneer and a global leader in clear aligners with the world’s largest 3D printing operations producing over 1 million custom appliances every day, Align is continuing to innovate and invest in technologies that enable the next generation of direct 3D printed products, thus creating more sustainable and efficient solutions.”
Partnership with Cubicure
The partnership between Cubicure and Align began several years ago as a joint development programme. It has evolved over time with the potential for significant innovation in scaling Cubicure’s direct 3D printing processes.
Hogan says, “The agreement to acquire Cubicure is a natural next step to bring their talented team and unique cutting-edge technology in-house, where they will support our long-term growth strategy by enabling us to scale our 3D printing operations to eventually direct print millions of custom appliances per day.”
This acquisition will also support Align’s existing intellectual property portfolio and expertise in direct 3D printing of appliances. The integration with Cubicure will expand and amplify Align’s capabilities in printing, materials and manufacturing for its 3D-printed product portfolio.
About Align Technology
Align Technology is renowned for designing and manufacturing the Invisalign System, one of the most globally recognised clear dental aligner systems. It also engages in the manufacture and promotion of iTero intraoral scanners and services, along with ‘exocad’ CAD/CAM software.
These technological components serve to enhance digital orthodontic and restorative workflows, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and streamlining operations for roughly 247,000 medical practitioners.
These elements are instrumental in capitalising on Align’s vast consumer market, spanning 500 million individuals worldwide. Over the past 26 years, Invisalign System has benefited more than 15.7 million patients.
Read the orginal article: https://siliconcanals.com/news/align-technology-acquires-cubicure/
