SPE Acquires 3Dnatives: Online Media Platform Covers 3D Printing Market

SPE has acquired 3Dnatives, a French company that produces international events and media platforms for professionals in 3D printing, additive manufacturing (AM) and related market applications.

Industrial 3D printing now accounts for about 0.1 percent of the $12.8 trillion global manufacturing economy but is growing rapidly. The AM market is expected to reach $107.7 billion by 2031, representing a compound annual growth rate of 21.9 percent.

“There is a natural similarity between the work of SPE and of 3Dnatives,” says Patrick Farrey, CEO of SPE. “Both publish the most up-to-date technical information for professionals in the plastics and additive manufacturing industries. Joining with 3Dnatives expands SPE’s expertise in these growing markets and gives our members unprecedented access to the science and technologies they need to know.”

3Dnatives’ global presence will also broaden SPE’s worldwide reach, through daily industry news and distinct market-specific platforms in the native languages of five key markets—the U.K., Germany, France, Spain and Italy. Every month, more than 1.2 million professionals visit 3Dnatives for its 3D printing equipment comparison engine, original articles, technical guides, product reviews, job board, business directory and other features, each of which is written in the native language of its five key markets.

3Dnatives, under its ADDITIV brand, also produces online and in-person events dedicated to 3D printing and its applications. Events this year will focus on AM in the medical, automotive and aerospace sectors. The company’s recent events included more than 200 expert speakers from top-tier companies such as L’Oréal, Audi, NASA, Boeing and others, and more than 15,000 attendees overall.

“3Dnatives has found a great partner in SPE,” says Alexandre Martel, CEO and founder of the media company. “SPE’s well-established leadership in producing technical information for plastics and manufacturing professionals will be a great asset, as 3Dnatives continues to serve more than six million 3D printing and additive manufacturing professionals across the globe every year. Together, we look forward to reaching even more markets, with original content produced specifically for each country in its native language.”

SPE and 3Dnatives will maintain offices in the U.S., Brussels and Paris. Terms of the transaction were not released. Representatives of 3Dnatives will be at ANTEC, in Denver, March 27 to 30, and be available to meet with attendees.