Home-SLICED: Latest news from the 3D Printing Industry
In this edition of SLICED,the 3D Printing Industry news digest, we track how additive manufacturing is moving through governance changes, reseller expansion, software-backed education, service launches, and new applications in sport, design, and art.
Read on for updates from AMGTA, Materialise, Carimatec, Axtra3D, Dyndrite, Sculpteo, adidas, and more.
Governance and portfolio shifts at AMGTA and Materialise
Kicking off April’s digest, sustainable additive manufacturing trade groupAMGTAhas elevated Michigan advanced manufacturing organizationManufacturing Technology Deployment Group(MTDG) from Participating Member to Principal Member and appointed Dean Bartles, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of MTDG, to its Board of Directors effective February 1, 2026. Principal Membership is the association’s highest level of engagement and gives the Michigan group a larger role in governance, strategy, and industry collaboration across sustainability-focused additive manufacturing initiatives.
Sherri Monroe, Executive Director of AMGTA, said, “Dean brings an exceptional combination of technical depth and ecosystem-level perspective. Additive manufacturing does not operate in isolation – it is part of a broader advanced manufacturing landscape.” Brian Neff, chair of the board, said Bartles’ experience would strengthen the organization strategically, while Bartles said he was honored to join the board and described additive manufacturing as “a transformative capability within advanced manufacturing.”
Meanwhile, Belgium-based 3D printing software, services, and medical device companyMaterialise NVwill transfer itsRapidFitbusiness to its existing management team, with closing expected on or around April 30, 2026. After the transaction closes, RapidFit will continue as an independent company under the same name and leadership, while Materialise continues to focus its investment on software, services, and 3D printed medical devices. Financial terms were not disclosed.
RapidFit supplies custom 3D printed jigs, fixtures, and quality control solutions, mainly for automotive and manufacturing customers, and existing customer orders and ongoing projects are expected to continue without disruption. Jurgen Laudus, Vice President, Materialise Manufacturing, said independence will give RapidFit more focus and flexibility, allowing decisions to be made closer to customers while supporting partnerships and investment choices aligned with global growth.
Resellers and Distribution Deals By Axtra3D, Ultimaker, Carimatec, and more
Moving on to resellers and distribution, US- and Italy-based high-speed stereolithography developerAxtra3Dhas appointed French digital manufacturing supplierMultistationas a professional reseller for France, bringing theLumia.X1and its Hybrid PhotoSynthesis technology into the local market. Multistation, founded in 1987, provides consulting and machine sales across sectors including automotive, aerospace, energy, medical, R&D, jewelry, and dentistry.
Source: 3D Printing Industry
