US-based 3D digital scanners manufacturer Align Technology has acquired Vienna-based Cubicure, a private firm that specialises in direct 3D printing solutions for polymer additive manufacturing. The acquisition, priced at €79 million, aims to amplify Align’s core competencies in direct 3D printing, and support its growth strategy.
- Launched in 2015, Cubicure GmbH develops, produces, and distributes system solutions for the industrial 3D printing of polymer parts. The company is best known for its hot-lithography technology, with a heating and coating mechanism.
- This allows for the processing of highly viscous resins to produce extremely durable and temperature-resistant polymers. Such materials are used in the direct production of dental aligners, as well as dentures and other devices.
- Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign System, an aligner system, iTero intraoral scanners and services, and Exocad CAD/CAM software. The company claims its technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies. Over the past 26 years, Align has helped doctors treat over 15.7 million patients with the Invisalign System.
“Align and Cubicure have worked together for many years and our successful collaboration has contributed to breakthrough technologies and innovation in direct 3D printing,”
Srini Kaza, Align senior vice president of product research and development, commented.
- The acquisition of Cubicure will strengthen Align’s existing intellectual property portfolio and know-how in direct 3D printing of appliances. Integration with Cubicure will also extend and scale Align’s printing, materials, and manufacturing capabilities for our 3D-printed product portfolio.
