Sodick, a leading Japanese manufacturer of electrical discharge machines (EDM), has completed the acquisition of Prima Additive, an Italian company specializing in metal additive manufacturing, marking a significant expansion of Sodick’s presence in the 3D printing sector. With this acquisition, Prima Additive has officially exited the Prima Industrie Group and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary under the name “Prima Additive by Sodick.”
The leadership of Prima Additive remains unchanged, with CEO Paolo Calefati continuing to lead the company. Calefati expressed optimism about the transition, highlighting the support from Sodick as a critical factor for future growth. “In recent years, we have experienced significant growth in product development and international expansion. Sodick is the right partner to help us achieve our bold goals in our core markets,” Calefati stated.
Established in 2015 as part of Prima Industrie’s involvement in the European Borealis project, Prima Additive has become a recognized name in metal additive manufacturing. The company offers solutions based on Laser Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Direct Energy Deposition (DED) technologies, serving industries ranging from aerospace to automotive. Its capabilities were further enhanced by a 2022 merger with 3D New Technologies (3D-NT), a move that strengthened its position in the PBF segment.
With Sodick’s backing, Prima Additive plans to open a new production facility and expand its research and development (R&D) operations in Turin, Italy. The acquisition aligns with Sodick’s strategy to diversify its manufacturing portfolio, which traditionally focused on mold production, including plastic and die-casting molds with advanced cooling channels. The company has been exploring metal 3D printing since 2014, primarily serving the Japanese market.
Sodick views the acquisition as an opportunity to expand its presence in the global additive manufacturing market and enhance its industrial capabilities. In a press release, the company emphasized its commitment to leveraging its international network to accelerate Prima Additive’s growth.
This acquisition is part of a broader trend of consolidation in the 3D printing industry. In April, Nano Dimension acquired U.S.-based Markforged Holding Corporation for $116 million, while United Performance Metals (UPM) acquired Fabrisonic LLC, an Ohio-based 3D metal printing firm. Such deals highlight the growing importance of additive manufacturing as companies seek to enhance their technological capabilities and expand their global footprint.
As Prima Additive by Sodick embarks on this new chapter, it aims to leverage Sodick’s industrial expertise and international reach to achieve ambitious growth targets and solidify its position as a leading player in the metal additive manufacturing sector.
