The Bossard Group continues to expand its expertise in additive manufacturing with a 30% share of Ecoparts AG in Hinwil, Switzerland. Ecoparts has many years of experience in 3D printing services for the metal segment of this innovative technology and is the leading company in this sector in Switzerland. Bossard’s stake in the company is of strategic importance, intended to secure a leading position in the future market of additive manufacturing. The Bossard Group’s investment in this sector broadens its expertise and enables to help customers in the early planning phase of new projects.
Ecoparts is a pioneer in additive manufacturing. Since 2006, the company has offered services in the generative design of metal components as well as custom and series parts, e.g., prototypes, toolmaking, lightweight components, hybrid construction and additive manufacturing engineering. As the largest and leading additive manufacturing service provider in Switzerland the company has a wealth of experience in this future market, including in the technologies and materials used.
Bossard has acquired a 30% stake from the two founders, who until now jointly controlled a 50% share of the capital. The vonRoll infratec-Group (independent from the Von Roll Holding AG listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange) owns the other 50% and plans on retaining it for the long term. As a development partner and contract manufacturer, Bossard gains even greater expertise in additive manufacturing through its investment in Ecoparts. In the fall of 2018, Bossard acquired 49% of 3d-prototyp GmbH, an expert in the additive manufacturing of complex plastic parts and models. In the spring of 2018, the Bossard Group announced partnerships with three renowned manufacturers of 3D printers after having handled representation and sales of their products for the Swiss market.
This bolsters Bossard’s proven expertise in supporting customers from the design phase all the way to the production of complex metal and plastic parts. In addition, Bossard is an innovative partner when it comes to selecting the most suitable 3D printers and associated manufacturing technologies.
Bossard believes that 3D printing will shape the future of a number of manufacturing areas, such as the production of prototypes, complex tools, and lightweight industrial components – all products that do not lend themselves to mass production. New materials are increasingly being used in additive manufacturing. As a global supplier of fastening solutions, Bossard is excited to help master the associated challenges.
