Würth Additive Group, Raise3D and Henkel Combine Technologies to Streamline Additive Manufacturing

Würth Additive Group (WAG), an innovator in digital supply chain solutions, has entered into a strategic partnership with Raise3D (a 3D printing hardware and consumables manufacturer) and Henkel (known for adhesives and Loctite additive resin materials). The collaboration focuses on a customer-focused mission to bring 3D printing to everyday applications.

This collaboration follows the March 2024 launch of Würth Additive’s Digital Inventory Services (DIS) as an inventory management solution. Working together, Würth Additive, Raise3D and Henkel Loctite’s 3D teams have synchronized their equipment, inventory platform and materials (including Loctite's tested resins). The collaboration has resulted in tailored and simplified product applications for one of the first DIS beta users, IMS Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG, which is an expert in fasteners crafted from plastic, metal and spring steel, with a clientele that spans the global automotive industry, other industries, wholesale trading, export-import operations, aviation and subcontractors.

The group says this collaboration marks a significant shift from conventional 3D printing partnerships to redefine standard additive manufacturing (AM) relationships among OEMs, VARs, product innovators, industrial application engineers and 3D printing end-users. Instead of limiting printing options based on conflicting priorities, these three organizations are working together to integrate AM for unique customer applications.

Raise3D products will be sold through Würth channels and be directly integrated with DIS, utilizing Loctite’s tested resins for automated workflows and easier quality control. This collaboration focuses on enhancing the end-user’s customer experience with productive 3D printed parts in distributed manufacturing. The companies say they are committed to continuously improving and meeting customer needs, and they plan to include more collaborators in the future.

AJ Strandquist, CEO of Würth Additive Group, emphasizes the collaborative commitment to ease of use and access to AM. “Raise3D is not just a partner; they are a powerhouse of experience and expertise, prioritizing the end-user’s experience,” Strandquist says. “Their printers, operating in an internal service bureau and producing hundreds of thousands of parts, demonstrate their understanding of bringing additive applications into production. Their experience has led to the development of some of the most advanced 3D systems on the market. Integrating our Digital Inventory Services (DIS) IoT Edge Device into their equipment and hardware systems opens up a world of possibilities, giving our customers complete control over their production. With Henkel strategically joining this mission as well we can offer customers more choices with no loss in the ease of use for our automated workflows.” 

Raise3D sees Würth Additive as an ideal partner as it looks toward future growth. “Their DIS platform enhances the utility of our products and ensures they meet the application’s needs,” says Edward Feng, Raise3D CEO. “As a machine manufacturer and solutions provider, I’m well aware of the complexities of 3D printing. The good news is that we can simplify this complexity through a user-friendly experience and controlled workflows. Combining our core competencies, we prioritize putting the customer first and providing exceptional value to AM users.”

Henkel sees the partnership as a strategic move that signifies a major shift from traditional to digital supply chains. “We are pleased to be a part of the DIS program with Würth Additive and Raise3D,” says Sam Bail, director of sales at Henkel Loctite. “Developing validated material workflows through this partnership ensures additively manufactured parts meet the customers' standards transitioning from digital to physical parts.” 

Strandquist is optimistic about the partnership's future. “We are looking forward to working together more collaboratively through this industrial partnership surrounding Digital Inventory Services (DIS) to better serve our customers by adding additive manufacturing, with ease, to their digital supply chain solution,” Strandquist says. “Working together between Raise3D and Loctite, we will help bring these applications to the masses and continuously problem-solve with our customers to keep them always in stock.”