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On the face of it 2015 didn't seem like the most successful of years for 3D printing, but if you scratch behind the stock markets and some burst bubbles you'll find an industry that is growing. From desktop 3D printer manufacturers like Lulzbot right through to advanced additive manufacturing producers like Concept Laser annual results have been remarkable.
The latter, Concept Laser, has just posted its annual results from 2015 and they are record breaking. Sales and orders grew substantially last year with Concept Laser receiving orders for 161 machines in total representing a 46% growth on the previous year.
Oliver Edelmann, VP Global Sales & Marketing, says: “We are very proud that we have managed to further expand the growth of the previous year. This shows that we continue to follow the right path. But anybody that knows Concept Laser knows that the passion for the technology and the strong drive for innovation will not allow us to rest on our laurels.”
This growth now means that there are 550 Concept Laser machines installed across the globe and global expansion has been key to the success. Reflecting the company's dedication to growing the company Concept's team grew by 67% in 2015, with 17 of those employees based at the new US facility based in Grapevine, Texas.
Concept Laser Factory of tomorrow
Concept Laser Factory of tomorrow
The company's outlook is also rosy, during formnext powered by tct in November Concept Laser announced its "AM Factory of Tomorrow" concept, which puts them at the front of the pack as additive manufacturing makes the paradigm shift towards series production. Oliver Edelmann says: “The modular integration of the machine technology into the manufacturing environment is amazing thanks to a radically new approach in the design of process components. Ultimately, this makes faster and more economic industrial production solutions available. All development aspects are going to plan: The new machine design will be commercially available at the end of 2016.”
