Michelin and Fives have advertised the creation of a joint venture with the aim of developing and marketing industrial machines and production shops on a global scale through “metal additive manufacturing” technology – commonly known as metal 3D printing.
Under the terms of the agreement signed, FIVES MICHELIN ADDITIVE SOLUTIONS will be 50% owned by Fives and 50% by Michelin and will benefit from a financial contribution of at least €25 million in the first three years.
FIVES MICHELIN ADDITIVE SOLUTIONS offers industrialists different areas of application (such as automotive, aerospace, health, etc.), a complete solution from the design and manufacture of machines and complete production lines to the related services (redesign of parts, definition of the manufacturing process, installation, production support, training, etc.).
Even though AM is widely used by manufacturers for plastic, metal 3D printing is still a niche market, one that is rapidly expanding. Initially it was used to produce single parts with high added value, metal 3D printing technology is now gaining a wider market and is starting to be used by OEMs, accessory suppliers, and even aircraft manufacturers.
