SLM Solutions Group AG provides metal-based additive manufacturing technology solutions in Germany, the Asia/Pacific, other European countries, North America, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Machine Business and After Sales Business. The Machine Business segment engages in the development, production, marketing, and sale of machines and peripheral equipment for selective laser melting. The After Sales Business segment provides machine-related and other services; and sells replacement parts, accessories, merchandise, and consumables. The company also offers software, metal powder, quality assurance products, and consulting services. It serves aerospace and defense, automotive, energy, healthcare, tooling, and research industries. The company is headquartered in Lübeck, Germany. SLM Solutions Group AG operates as subsidiary of Nikon AM. AG
Between 1996 and 1998, the companies F & S Stereolithografietechnik GmbH , Trumpf GmbH and the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology began with initial research on laser fusion processes. After the founding of a European Technology Center for rapid prototyping in Kaarst , the British Mining and Chemical Products Ltd. introduced the technique of selective laser melting while Fockele & Schwarze received various patents in this area.
F & S and MCP formed a partnership and jointly developed marketable SLM devices. MCP was a pioneer in the laser processing of aluminum and titanium. The equipment was developed and manufactured at the subsidiary HEK GmbH in Lübeck. In the wake of corporate restructuring at MCP, this company division headed by Hans-Joachim Ihde was spun off in 2008 into MTT Technologies GmbH – later SLM Solutions GmbH —founded in 2006 and sold to Mr. Ihde and Henner Schöneborn. Both are still involved in SLM Solutions Group AG.
ING Groep also participated in SLM via its fund Parcom Germany I and acquired more than half of the shares. In preparation for the planned IPO, the company was integrated into the newly founded SLM Holding GmbH, which was renamed SLM Solutions Group AG in 2014.
Consequently, the formal foundation year of the company is 2014, while the origins of the company go back to the 1990s. In a self-representation, it even goes back to the setting up of a Bolivian bismuth mine in the 1860s. The securities prospectus for the IPO cites 2006 as the foundation date of the operating company.
Within the context of the IPO in May 2014, the SLM Solutions Group AG netted €75 million by issuing new shares. At the same time, the existing shareholders – mainly Parcom – sold shares at the quoted value of €105 million. The sale of old shares at a quoted value of 103 to 163 million euros was planned.
Key strategic partnerships were concluded in the year 2016.
In the area of application software, SLM Solutions Software GmbH was founded together with the Austrian CADS GmbH from Perg in February 2016. The common goal is the development of software that facilitates the optimal design of components for additive manufacturing.
In addition, 3D Metal Powder GmbH was entered in the commercial register on July 14, 2016, with the objective of supplying custom-tailored consumable material for the respective customer applications.
Our mission is to enable the industrialization of Additive Manufacturing and to provide our customers with the resources, expertise, and innovative technology that enable them to become industry leaders.
Our vision is to be the premier provider of metal-based AM systems, providing our customers with innovative, efficient, and reliable solutions.
