EMPA campus in St. Gallen
Flat suction cups (SLM)
Mail distribution container
Build platform with SLM components
The UNITED GRINDING Group, holding company for the Machine Tools Business Area in the Körber international technology group, is establishing a joint venture named IRPD AG with the university-affiliated inspire AG. IRPD specializes in additive manufacturing processes such as laser-based processes and 3-D printing. The focus of the joint venture is to further develop these cutting-edge production processes and thereby benefit from current research findings.
The IRPD AG joint venture, with headquarters in St. Gallen (Switzerland), is the new Center of Excellence for Additive Manufacturing of the UNITED GRINDING Group and is collectively managed by both joint venture partners. IRPD AG concentrates on the manufacture of industrial metal or plastic prototypes through to the production of small series of complex workpieces as a service for customers. The focus is on additive manufacturing processes, particularly selective laser sintering (SLS), selective laser melting (SLM) and 3-D printing. IRPD also offers individual technology consulting, reverse engineering and services for the design and production of complex components.
inspire AG brings parts of its own Center of Excellence IRPD (inspire Institute for Rapid Product Development) to the joint venture. "The Center of Excellence is the Swiss market and technology leader for the design, production and marketing of additively manufactured products and serves over 300 industrial customers in Switzerland and neighboring countries," said a company spokesperson. "The UNITED GRINDING Group is a knowledgeable partner for further developing production processes and expanding customer contacts."
"IRPD has extensive expertise in cutting-edge production techniques, which we intend to collectively further develop using our experience in industrial series production as a foundation. Additive manufacturing processes are of high strategic relevance for us," said Stephan Nell, CEO of the UNITED GRINDING Group AG.
"We see the UNITED GRINDING Group as the best possible partner, who will open up outstanding development opportunities through its experience in professional production processes and its international market access," said Dr. Jürg Krebser, Managing Director of inspire AG.
The location will remain the campus of the former inspire IRPD Center of Excellence in St. Gallen on the grounds of the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA). This will also facilitate the continuation of knowledge transfer and exchange of experiences in the area of material research, among other things.
For more information contact:
UNITED GRINDING North America, Inc.
510 Earl Blvd.
Miamisburg, OH 45342
937-859-1975
info@grinding.com
www.grinding.com