3D Systems Corporation Acquires botObjects

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3D Systems has bought one more company. The South Carolina-based company announced Monday that it had acquired London-based botObjects. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the move further bolsters 3D Systems’ printer lineup. The company says botObjects acquisition would be accretive to its FY2015 results.

botObjects witnesses solid demand

The South Carolina-based 3D printing company continues to swallow one firm after another. In November, it closed the acquisition of Brazilian firm Robtec, and acquired Israel-based Cimatron for $97 million. London-based botObjects was an early entrant into desktop 3D printing space. It has developed a 5-color CMYKW cartridge system that is capable of generating more vibrant color combinations.

botObjects’ much-hyped ProDesk3D printer was launched last year. But the company struggled to fulfill pre-orders. People who had pre-ordered the printer and waited for months started claiming that botObjects was a scam. The supply shortage is believed to have led to the 3D Systems deal. Martin Warner, co-founder of botObjects, said that orders for its printers continue to outstrip the company’s resources.

3D Systems to fulfill botObjects’ backorders

3D has promised to fulfill botObjects’ current backorders. For the Rock Hill-based company, the deal looks more like a technology acquisition and acqui-hire. 3D Systems is folding botObjects’ ProDesk3D full-color printer into its new CubePro C printer. The newly launched CubePro C printers deliver true full-color experience with greater speed and accuracy than competitors, 3D Systems said.

3D Systems said that, until it expands its manufacturing capacity, the CubePro C printer will see a limited release. The company plans to expand distribution later this year. You can see the CubePro C Full-Color 3D Printer in action at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. At CES, 3D Systems CEO Avi Reichental said that 3D printing will go mainstream this year, and will be available in almost every home.

3D Systems shares gained 0.36% to $30.85 in pre-market trading Tuesday.

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