Formlabs has acquired Spectra Group Photopolymers—a choice that shows great promise for growth in 3D printing and local business.
Spectra Group got its start in 1990 with Dr. Douglas C. Neckers at the helm of what began as an offshoot of BGSU’s Center for Photochemical Sciences, focusing on specialty photopolymers. In 2012, Boston-based 3D printing firm Formlabs partnered with Spectra Group to create the first generation of Formlabs’ proprietary materials, and they have worked together since.
“Formlabs and Spectra are excited to yet again strengthen their years-long partnership through the development of new biocompatible resins,” explains Spectra Photopolymers President Alex Mejiritski. Formlabs is investing over $1 million into the creation of a certified cleanroom to specialize in the production of medical and dental materials. This partnership vertically integrates Formlabs’ 3D printing operations by pairing the firm with the manufacturing of resins used in the printing process.
Facility upgrade
The newest Spectra facility expansion focuses on manufacturing biocompatible materials with expertise in improving materials for printer resin cartridges.
The technology advancements have proven crucial in the creation of accurate surgical guides, clear dental aligners/retainers and seamless dentures and crowns that are more comfortable for patients.
Growing Local Business
This opportunity has also provided ways for Spectra to grow. Over the past two years, personnel increased from 11 to 37, with new hires coming from both BGSU and the University of Toledo for Spectra’s engineering, manufacturing, and R&D teams.
Looking to the future
“By acquiring Spectra Group, Formlabs can now create resins that are tailored specifically to users in different industries regardless of what is being printed,” says Mejiritski. “From the beginning, it’s been important for Formlabs to provide a reliable and accessible printing process.
Most 3D printing companies are not vertically integrated and do not have access to their own resin manufacturing. Formlabs believes materials are a critical component in opening up new applications, workflows and disrupting industries.”
Formlabs has acquired Spectra Group Photopolymers—a choice that shows great promise for growth in 3D printing and local business.
Spectra Group got its start in 1990 with Dr. Douglas C. Neckers at the helm of what began as an offshoot of BGSU’s Center for Photochemical Sciences, focusing on specialty photopolymers. In 2012, Boston-based 3D printing firm Formlabs partnered with Spectra Group to create the first generation of Formlabs’ proprietary materials, and they have worked together since.
“Formlabs and Spectra are excited to yet again strengthen their years-long partnership through the development of new biocompatible resins,” explains Spectra Photopolymers President Alex Mejiritski. Formlabs is investing over $1 million into the creation of a certified cleanroom to specialize in the production of medical and dental materials. This partnership vertically integrates Formlabs’ 3D printing operations by pairing the firm with the manufacturing of resins used in the printing process.
Facility upgrade
The newest Spectra facility expansion focuses on manufacturing biocompatible materials with expertise in improving materials for printer resin cartridges.
The technology advancements have proven crucial in the creation of accurate surgical guides, clear dental aligners/retainers and seamless dentures and crowns that are more comfortable for patients.
- Advertisement -
Growing Local Business
This opportunity has also provided ways for Spectra to grow. Over the past two years, personnel increased from 11 to 37, with new hires coming from both BGSU and the University of Toledo for Spectra’s engineering, manufacturing, and R&D teams.
Looking to the future
“By acquiring Spectra Group, Formlabs can now create resins that are tailored specifically to users in different industries regardless of what is being printed,” says Mejiritski. “From the beginning, it’s been important for Formlabs to provide a reliable and accessible printing process.
Most 3D printing companies are not vertically integrated and do not have access to their own resin manufacturing. Formlabs believes materials are a critical component in opening up new applications, workflows and disrupting industries.”
