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AMETEK to Acquire FARO for $920 Million

BERWYN, PA and LAKE MARY, FL, USA, May 7, 2025 – AMETEK, Inc.Β (NYSE: AME) andΒ FARO Technologies, Inc.Β (Nasdaq: FARO) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which AMETEK will acquire all outstanding shares ofΒ FARO TechnologiesΒ common stock forΒ $44Β per share in cash, which represents an approximate 40% premium to FARO’s closing price onΒ May 5, 2025. The transaction values FARO at an enterprise value of approximatelyΒ $920 million. The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the transaction.

Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida, FARO Technologies is a leading provider of 3D measurement and imaging solutions, including portable measurement arms, laser scanners and trackers, software solutions, and comprehensive service offerings. FARO’s precision manufacturing and digital reality solutions serve a diverse range of end markets. The company has annual sales of approximately $340 million.

“FARO is an outstanding acquisition for AMETEK and an excellent strategic fit with our Ultra Precision Technologies division,” comments David A. Zapico, AMETEK Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “FARO’s differentiated 3D metrology and imaging solutions expand our presence in attractive growth markets. Its strong brand, global customer base, employees and technology capabilities complement our existing Creaform business and provide compelling opportunities for growth and margin expansion.”

“We are excited to join AMETEK and its portfolio of industry-leading technology businesses,” said Peter Lau, President, Chief Executive Officer & Director of FARO Technologies. “With AMETEK’s global scale, operational excellence, and commitment to innovation, we are well-positioned to accelerate our growth and continue delivering cutting-edge solutions to our customers around the world.”

The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals. The closing of the transaction is also subject to approval of FARO Technologies shareholders. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025.

About AMETEK

AMETEK (NYSE: AME) is a leading global provider of industrial technology solutions serving a diverse set of attractive niche markets with annual sales of approximatelyΒ $7.0 billion. The AMETEK Growth Model integrates the Four Growth Strategies – Operational Excellence, Technology Innovation, Global and Market Expansion, and Strategic Acquisitions – with a disciplined focus on cash generation and capital deployment. AMETEK’s objective is double-digit percentage growth in earnings per share over the business cycle and a superior return on total capital. Founded in 1930, AMETEK has been listed on the NYSE for over 90 years and is a component of the S&P 500. For more information, visitΒ www.ametek.com.

AboutΒ FARO Technologies

For more than 40 years,Β FARO TechnologiesΒ has provided industry-leading technology solutions that enable customers to measure their world, and then use that data to make smarter decisions faster. FARO continues to be a pioneer in bridging the digital and physical worlds through data-driven reliable accuracy, precision, and immediacy. For more information, visitΒ www.faro.com.

ESTECO Announces Users’ Meeting North America 2025 on Oct 14-15

TRIESTE, Italy, May 7, 2025 – ESTECO is pleased to announce that, he ESTECO Users’ Meeting North America 2025 takes place on October 14–15 at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth, Michigan.

The event brings together engineering professionals, industry leaders, and technology experts, offering valuable content for all user types. The two-day event offers a unique opportunity to explore the latest in simulation process integration and optimization through real-world applications, technical insights, and hands-on learning.

Whether you’re a seasoned user of modeFRONTIER or VOLTA, or exploring how our technologies can enhance your simulation and optimization workflows, this event is tailored for you. You’ll hear how ESTECO Technology is driving innovation and solving complex engineering challenges across various industries directly from leading companies and researchers.

The agenda features a mix of user presentations, technical talks, and product updates that offer a comprehensive look at the current trends and future developments.

The event also includes practical training sessions led by ESTECO experts, designed to deepen your knowledge and help you make the most of the software’s capabilities.

About ESTECO

ESTECO is an independent software provider, highly specialized in numerical optimization and simulation data management with a sound scientific foundation and a flexible approach to customer needs. With more than 15 years’ experience, the company supports leading organizations in designing the products of the future, today. ESTECO smart engineering suite brings enterprise-wide solutions for design optimization, simulation data management and process integration and automation with the aim of helping companies excel across this innovation journey. Over 300 international organizations across many different industries have chosen ESTECO to consolidate specialized expertise, streamline teamwork and boost product development. Founded in 1999, the company is headquartered in Trieste (Italy), with offices in Michigan (USA), Pune (India) and an international network of channel partners. For more information, visit www.esteco.com.

Aras Publishes ‘Future of Product Lifecycle Management and Digital Engineering’ Study Report

ANDOVER, MA, USA, May 6, 2025 – Aras,Β a leader in product lifecycle management (PLM) and digital thread solutions, β€―today highlighted findings that emphasize the importance of establishing a strong digital thread in manufacturing and product development organizations. The insights come from Aras’ recent survey, β€œThe Future of Product Lifecycle Management and Digital Engineering.”  

The report found that nearly 9 out of 10 organizations view the digital thread as critical to driving success with next-generation technology initiatives, such as AI, automation, and robotics. 

β€œToday’s transformative technologies, like AI, are fueling a seismic shift in how products are designed, built, and maintained,” said Roque Martin, CEO of Aras. β€œMeeting the demands of this new era requires visibility, security, and compliance – all of which rely on accurate, connected data. That starts with a strong digital thread.”

AI Is Only as Powerful as The Data Behind It

When asked about the top drivers for improving digital thread capabilities, 41% of respondents cited enabling advanced analytics and AI, 38% pointed to improving product quality, and 36% reported improving service and support. These priorities reflect a fundamental challenge: AI’s ability to deliver meaningful results depends on the quality of the data behind it.Β 

As AI takes on more responsibility for operational decisions β€” from the factory floor to the logistics hub to the consumer’s home β€” validating and governing those decisions becomes increasingly complex. The level of control and traceability required is nearly impossible to achieve. As organizations begin to explore broader AI adoption, ensuring that only the right people have access to the right information becomes critical. Not every request for information should return the same result β€” especially when security, IP protection, and regulatory compliance are on the line. 

That’s where the digital thread proves essential – acting as the backbone that connects and structures information across the product lifecycle. When supported by a PLM solution built for traceability and scalability, the digital thread provides an environment for consistency, security, and visibility. These are the very capabilities that AI and other advanced technologies depend on to deliver real value. For Aras users, Aras InnovatorEdge extends this foundation as a low-code API management framework – enabling intelligent, secure, and scalable connectivity across the digital thread ecosystem. 

To fully realize the benefits of AI and automation, industrial organizations must prioritize building a resilient, connected data infrastructure. By investing in a strong digital thread strategy today, they position themselves to drive smarter decisions, accelerate innovation, and stay competitive.

Significant Implementation Challenges

Even as companies rally around the importance of the digital thread, many are struggling to implement it. According to the report, 46% of respondents cite product complexity as a significant challenge, while 36% point to difficulty tracking changes over time. Extensive configurations (35%) and disconnected supply chains (33%) are also seen as major obstacles to success.Β 

About the 2025 Global Industry Survey

β€œThe Future of Product Lifecycle Management and Digital Engineering” is a January 2025 survey based on insights from 656 executives in Europe, the US, and Japan. It examines how leading automotive, aerospace, and machinery manufacturers (revenues >$40M) are addressing AI adoption, digital thread integration, and regulatory compliance. Download the full reportΒ here.

About Aras

Aras is a leading provider of product lifecycle management and digital thread solutions. Its technology enables the rapid delivery of flexible solutions built on a powerful digital thread backbone and a low-code development platform. Aras’ platform and product lifecycle management applications connect users in all disciplines and functions to critical product data and processes across the lifecycle and throughout the extended supply chain. VisitΒ www.aras.comΒ to learn more and follow us onΒ YouTube,Β X,Β Facebook, andΒ LinkedIn.

Graitec Acquires Microsol Resources for BIM

NEW YORK, NY, USA, May 6, 2025 – Graitec, a global software developer and Autodesk Platinum Partner providing digital innovation to the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry across North America and Europe, is pleased to announce the strategic acquisition of Microsol Resources, a leading Autodesk Gold Partner specialized in Building Information Modeling (BIM).

This acquisition reinforces Graitec’s commitment to expanding its expertise and service offerings in the AEC sector, while significantly enhancing its local presence and capabilities. By integrating Microsol Resources’ strong BIM expertise and client-centric approach, Graitec continues to cement its position as a leading technology partner for AEC professionals in the United States and Europe. The combined expertise of Graitec and Microsol Resources will unlock new opportunities for customers by offering an expanded portfolio of software, industry-specific consulting services, and technical support and training. Clients will now benefit from access to Graitec’s proprietary software solutions, including Ideate, which streamlines Revit workflows, and Strucsoft, a leading BIM-based solution for structural framing and fabrication. These, along with other innovations from Graitec’s Research and development team reflect Graitec’s commitment to driving the digital transformation of the AEC industry.

Manuel Liedot, CEO of Graitec, stated “This acquisition marks a major milestone in Graitec’s journey, significantly strengthening our footprint in the United Statesβ€”our largest market. With the acquisition of Microsol Resources, we further strengthen our presence across the United States, where we already enjoy strong recognition within the construction community. I’m also delighted to extend a warm welcome to all the new clients and colleagues, joining the Graitec family through this acquisition.”

Emilio Krausz, President of Microsol Resources, commented “With the acquisition of Microsol Resources by Graitec, our team will continue to support our clients with the same dedication and expertise they’ve come to expect. At the same time, they will now benefit from a broader portfolio of solutions, an expanded technical team, and access to a global network. By joining forces with Graitec, we’re enhancing our collective ability to serve the AEC industry. Our shared commitment to customer success and digital transformation in the built environment will allow us to deliver even greater value moving forward.”

Together, Graitec and Microsol Resources combine global reach with local expertise to provide exceptional value to AEC professionals.

About GRAITEC

With over 30 years of experience and a footprint in 13 countries, Graitecβ€”now strengthened by the rebranding of Applied Software as Graitec in the U.S.β€”is a leading provider of software solutions supporting the digitalization of the AEC and Manufacturing industries. Graitec leverages its privileged position as a Platinum Autodesk partner to develop and distribute a range of software supporting client’s digital acceleration. Graitec’s portfolio include Ideate Software, Strucsoft, Data Connect, Advance Workshop, and Advance Design, empowering professionals to build smarter and faster.

For more information about Graitec, please visit www.graitec.com.

About Microsol Resources

Microsol Resources is a premier U.S.-based Autodesk Gold Partner, specializing in technology solutions for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. With 40 years of experience, the company provides software, training, consulting, and support services tailored to design professionals. Headquartered in New York City, Microsol Resources is also a Bluebeam Platinum Partner with strong partnerships with Chaos, Enscape, McNeel Rhino, and Eagle Point Software. This acquisition expands Microsol Resources’ existing partnership with Ideate Software, which is part of the Graitec solutions portfolio.

For more information about Microsol Resources, please visitΒ www.microsolresources.com.

Kavika’s Stainless Steel Drainage BIM Models Database Now Available on MagiCAD Cloud

TURKU, Finland, May 6, 2025 – MagiCAD is delighted to welcome a new brand Kavika Oy, and their high-quality stainless steel drainage systems to MagiCAD Cloud. With decades of experience in designing stainless steel products for professional environments, Kavika now brings their robust, hygienic, and easy-to-maintain drainage products as high-quality BIM objects, helping MEP designers integrate proven solutions into their projects.

By making these products available in MagiCAD Cloud, Kavika takes a significant step in supporting the digitalisation of the building industry, offering designers intelligent data-rich objects that simplify specification, improve accuracy, and support sustainable design practices.

Versatile drainage solutions for demanding environments

Kavika’s newly published BIM objects in MagiCAD Cloud cover a comprehensive selection of floor drains tailored for different applications and installation needs. The portfolio includes both horizontal and vertical outlet models, designed to fit a variety of floor structures including tile, mass and carpeted floors. With different size options, these drainage devices are engineered to meet a wide spectrum of performance and installation requirements.

Each product is manufactured from stainless steel, ensuring high corrosion resistance, long-term durability, and ease of cleaning – features that are essential in environments where hygiene is a top priority. Whether for hospitals, commercial kitchens or other sanitary-sensitive areas, Kavika’s drainage products are designed to perform under pressure.
Kavika’s drainage systems are available as BIM objects for MagiCAD for AutoCAD, MagiCAD for Revit and MagiCAD for BricsCAD.

Explore Kavika’s BIM Objects in MagiCAD Cloud

About Kavika Oy

Founded in 1945, Kavika Oy has built a reputation as a leading Finnish manufacturer of stainless steel furnishings, fixtures, and drainage products for healthcare, food service, and other professional environments. The company’s production facilities are located in JΓ€rvenpÀÀ and Hollola in Finland, where high-quality raw materials are transformed into tailored solutions through a combination of modern manufacturing techniques and traditional craftsmanship.

Kavika offers a broad product portfolio that includes both standardised items and completely custom-made solutions, tailored to the needs of architects, engineers and end-users. Their approach emphasises not only technical performance but also user ergonomics, safety, and clean design. All products are designed with long life cycles in mind, making them a reliable choice for sustainable construction and renovation projects. For more information, visit https://www.kavika.fi.

About MagiCAD Cloud

MagiCAD CloudΒ is the world’s leading mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) BIM platform. It includes over 1,000,000 data-richΒ BIM objectsΒ of commercially available MEP devices and components from more than 300 manufacturers internationally.

Avery Dennison Invests in Series B Funding of 3D Current Collectors Manufacturer Addionics

MENTOR, OH, USA, May 6, 2025Β β€” Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE:AVY) has announced an investment of Series B funding for Addionics, manufacturer of 3D Current Collectors. The investment, along with Avery Dennison manufacturing expertise, will be used in support of Addionics’ plans to scale its production process. Avery Dennison is one of several strategic industry investors in Addionics.

Addionics provides Smart 3D Current Collectors that enhance battery performance while reducing production costs. Designed for mass production on roll-to-roll integrated lines, Addionics’ technology increases capacity, improves safety, shortens charging times and extends lifespan β€” across all battery chemistries, from existing to emerging technologies. The current collectors seamlessly integrate into existing manufacturing processes and transform standard production lines into enablers of next-generation battery technology. By providing a scalable and cost-effective solution, Addionics is driving a step change in battery performance and accelerating the adoption of technologies that support a more sustainable and decarbonized future.

Avery Dennison is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company and a leader in roll-to-roll manufacturing technology. With dedicated research and global production facilities, the company’s partnership and investment will allow Addionics to expand and bolster its roll-to-roll manufacturing capabilities and commercialization efforts. With its investment in Addionics, Avery Dennison solidified its interest in energy storage and EV battery applications for pressure-sensitive high-performance tapes and functional materials.

β€œWe are creating a mutually beneficial partnership,” said Pankaj Bhardwaj, vice president and general manager, Avery Dennison Materials Group, Asia, Middle East & Africa. β€œThe investment will enable Addionics to accelerate the development and commercialization of its unique technology for current collectors. Our process know-how, materials science knowledge and global reach complement Addionics’ novel technology and entrepreneurial spirit. Equally important, the partnership contributes to advancing sustainability.”

β€œAvery Dennison has extensive roll-to-roll manufacturing experience,” Moshiel Biton, CEO and co-founder of Addionics added. β€œThis makes them a preferred strategic investor. Demand for high-performing batteries is growing worldwide, and our product is growing alongside that demand. The funding and technical knowledge that Avery Dennison is providing will better enable us to supply our battery technology to battery manufacturers and improve battery performance throughout the industry.” 

About Avery Dennison

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company. We are Making Possibleβ„’ products and solutions that help advance the industries we serve, providing branding and information solutions that optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency, and better connect brands and consumers. We design and develop labeling and functional materials, radio-frequency identification (RFID) inlays and tags, software applications that connect the physical and digital, and offerings that enhance branded packaging and carry or display information that improves the customer experience. Serving industries worldwide β€” including home and personal care, apparel, general retail, e-commerce, logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive β€” we employ approximately 35,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Our reported sales in 2024 were $8.8 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

About Addionics

Addionics is a leading manufacturer of 3D Current Collectorsβ„’, powering the next generation of batteries. Addionics’ low-cost drop-in solution seamlessly integrates into existing production facilities, allowing battery manufacturers and automakers to increase production capacity while reducing manufacturing costs. By revolutionizing the internal physical structure of the battery, Addionics 3D Current Collectors significantly improve the performance of any battery regardless of its chemistry. Designed for commercial scale, Addionics has partnerships with major OEMs and automakers across North America and Europe. Founded in 2018, Addionics has sites in the UK, Israel, the US, and Germany. Read more atΒ www.addionics.com.

Bell Selects Materion’s SupremEXΒ LightweightΒ Composite Material for US Army Tiltrotor Aircraft Prototypes

CLEVELAND, OH, USA, May 6, 2025 – Materion Corporation (NYSE: MTRN), a global leader in advanced materials solutions, will supply its SupremEXΒ metal matrix composite for components on the U.S. Army Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) prototypes. The high-strength, lightweight composite was selected by Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, which designed the FLRAA configuration and will build the prototypes. The new tiltrotor model can reach greater speeds and carry increased payloads of troops and equipment, reaching battlefields faster and at farther ranges.

β€œWe look forward to working with Bell to equip the U.S. Army with a new aircraft design that provides greater reach and capability,” stated Clive Grannum, President Performance Materials at Materion. β€œFLRAA will play a vital role in U.S. Army operations, and SupremEX composites will help enable greater capabilities in operation. These composites significantly reduce weight while maintaining their high-strength properties for long-term reliability.”

β€œWe are pleased to welcome Materion to the FLRAA team,” stated Ryan Ehinger, senior vice president and program director for FLRAA at Bell. β€œFLRAA will change the way U.S. Army aviators fight by providing significant increases in speed, range, and reliability. We have a shared commitment to delivering this transformational capability to our warfighters.”

With a product portfolio that includes high-strength specialty alloys; lightweight, stiff metal matrix composites; and thin film coatings, Materion’s advanced materials address a wide range of technical demands in defense and aerospace applications. As new applications and technologies such as FLRAA are developed, Materion is uniquely positioned to meet emerging materials needs.

This material is based upon work supported by the Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal under Contract No. W58RGZ-23-C-0001. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal.

About Materion Corporation

Materion Corporation is a global leader in advanced materials solutions for high-performance industries including semiconductor, industrial, aerospace & defense, energy and automotive. With nearly 100 years of expertise in specialty engineered alloy systems, inorganic chemicals and powders, precious and non-precious metals, beryllium and beryllium composites, and precision filters and optical coatings, Materion partners with customers to enable breakthrough solutions that move the world forward. Headquartered in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, the Company employs more than 3,000 talented people worldwide, serving customers in more than 60 countries.

About Bell Textron Inc.

Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 85 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us.

We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility.

Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours.

Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.

Zuken’s eCADSTAR 2025 Advances PCB Design with Smarter Workflows, Enhanced Manufacturing Integration

BRISTOL, UK and WESTFORD, MA, USA, May 5, 2025 – Zuken announces the launch of eCADSTAR 2025, the latest release of its advanced PCB design software. This release brings a suite of innovative features designed to optimize design workflows, improve high-speed, signal integrity, and enhance collaboration between engineering and manufacturing teams.

β€œeCADSTAR 2025 provides engineers with smarter tools to accelerate development while maintaining design accuracy,” said Jeroen Leinders, eCADSTAR Business Manager, Zuken Europe. β€œThe new capabilities that we are introducing in this major release streamline library management, improve high-speed design precision, and automate key manufacturing processes.”

The enhancements in eCADSTAR 2025 extend across the entire design process, from improved library management with multiple library path support to enhanced schematic documentation and greater accuracy in high-speed design. Manufacturing collaboration has been further refined with expanded variant exports and automated batch processing of manufacturing outputs. Rather than exporting files manually, Batch Processing allows for the automatic creation of all necessary manufacturing outputs, including Gerber files, ODB++, drill files, BOMs, and MCAD files, in a single step, enabling engineers to execute tasks in bulk, significantly reducing manual effort, and enforcing design consistency.

eCADSTAR is available both in permanent and time-based licensing options in a broad range of configurations to fit individual needs. The new release will be available on April 30.

Key Enhancements in eCADSTAR 2025

  • Multiple Library Paths Support

Designers can now configure three library paths – master/central, local/prototype, and customer/project – allowing them to quickly add new parts from online sources to the local/prototype design without waiting for librarian approval.

PRZ0601-eCADSTAR-2025-libary
eCADSTAR 2025 supports three parallel library paths – master/central, local/prototype, and customer/project – allowing designer to quickly add new parts from online sources to the local/prototype library without waiting for librarian approval.X
  • Enhanced Schematic Documentation

Users can directly integrate BMP, GIF, and PNG images into schematics, simplifying the inclusion of company logos and reference images.

PRZ0601-eCADSTAR-2025-image-data-import
eCADSTAR 2025 streamlines library management, boosts high-speed design accuracy, and optimizes documentation and manufacturing processes.X
  • High-Speed Design Improvements

A new pin-length support feature allows for precise signal timing adjustments by defining pin lengths at the part or pin level, improving routing accuracy and signal integrity.

  • Improved Collaboration with Manufacturing

Expanded support for design variants in STEP, IDF, and IDX export ensures accurate 3D representation of multiple configurations.

  • Automated Batch Processing

Streamlining handover to manufacturing by generating all necessary outputsβ€”including Gerber files, ODB++, drill files, and BOMsβ€”in a single step, while efficiently managing multiple design variants with consistency and accuracy.

PRZ0601-eCADSTAR-2025-batch-processing
Automated batch processing streamlines manufacturing by generating all necessary outputsβ€”including Gerber files, ODB++, drill files, BOMs, and MCAD files, in a single step, while efficiently managing multiple design variants with consistency and accuracy.X

These updates collectively make eCADSTAR 2025.0 a smarter, faster, and more efficient PCB design solution, optimizing both design and manufacturing workflows.

About eCADSTAR

eCADSTAR is a PCB design software developed by Zuken that offers an integrated design environment for schematic capture and PCB layout. Positioned as a bridge between traditional desktop PCB tools and advanced enterprise level solutions, eCADSTAR provides advanced design capabilities with cloud-based features for component management and design data sharing.

eCADSTAR is available both in permanent and time-based licensing options in a broad range of configurations to fit individual needs. To learn more, or to request an evaluation, please visit www.ecadstar.com/en/resource/evaluation/

About Zuken

Zuken, a global leader in electrical and electronic design solutions since 1976, offers innovative and reliable computer aided design and engineering (CAD/CAE) tools through its CR-8000 and E3.series product families, providing comprehensive 2D/3D design and data management capabilities. Embracing digital transformation, Zuken now integrates Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) with its proven design suite to deliver end-to-end solutions for diverse industries worldwide. For more information about the company and its products, visit www.zuken.com,β€― www.zuken.com/blog, or www.linkedin.com/company/zukenβ€―.

Velo3D Appoints Brice Cooper as VP, Defense, Government Relations

FREMONT, CA, USA, May 5, 2025 – Velo3D, Inc. (OTCQX: VLDX), a leading metal additive manufacturing technology company for mission-critical parts, announcedΒ Brice Cooper has joined the company as Vice President of Defense and Government Relations.

A retired Green Beret with over 25 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army, Brice has built a career leading high-performing teams in the defense and military sectors. His expertise spans special operations, defense acquisition, and product management, making him an ideal fit to lead Velo3D’s Defense Sector business. In this role, Brice will be responsible for expanding the company’s footprint within the defense and aerospace industries, focusing on strengthening customer relationships and driving new market opportunities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brice to Velo3D,” said Michelle Sidwell, Chief Revenue Officer of Velo3D. “Brice’s deep knowledge of Department of Defense acquisition processes, congressional appropriations, and his leadership in defense technology make him the ideal person to lead our defense business. We are confident his experience and vision will accelerate our mission to deliver advanced additive manufacturing solutions to key defense and aerospace partners.”
“I’m excited to join Velo3D at such a pivotal time for the company,” said Brice Cooper. “Velo3D is already enabling aerospace and defense leaders to produce parts and systems once thought impossible. I look forward to leveraging the company’s success to support the defense community across air, ground, maritime, and space sectors, ensuring that Velo3D continues to be a critical enabler of mission success.”

Before joining Velo3D, Brice served as Chief Strategy Officer at Allen Control Systems, an advanced robotics and autonomy company focused on counter-drone weapon systems. In this role, he drove strategic direction and partnerships to develop innovative solutions for defense technology. Prior to this, Brice spent six years as the Product Portfolio Manager at U.S. Special Operations Command, where he led efforts to develop cutting-edge technologies for unmanned systems and tactical vehicle safety.

He also served as the Congressional Budget Liaison for the U.S. Army and as a Congressional Fellow in the U.S. House of Representatives, working closely with lawmakers to shape defense policy.

About Velo3D

Velo3D is a metal 3D printing technology Company. 3D printingβ€”also known as additive manufacturing (AM)β€”has a unique ability to improve the way high-value metal parts are built. However, legacy metal AM has been greatly limited in its capabilities since its invention almost 30 years ago. This has prevented the technology from being used to create the most valuable and impactful parts, restricting its use to specific niches where the limitations were acceptable.

Velo3D has overcome these limitations so engineers can design and print the parts they want. The Company’s solution unlocks a wide breadth of design freedom and enables customers in space exploration, aviation, energy, and semiconductor to innovate the future in their respective industries. Using Velo3D, these customers can now build mission-critical metal parts that were previously impossible to manufacture. The fully integrated solution includes the Flow print preparation software, the Sapphire family of printers, and the Assure quality control system. Through this vertically integrated approach, the Velo3D ecosystem facilitates scalable metal AM using the same print file across any Sapphire system, ensuring repeatable outcomes without the need for additional optimization. This enhances manufacturing scalability and supply chain flexibility, allowing Velo3D customers to seamlessly adapt to fluctuating demand. The Company delivered its first Sapphire system in 2018 and has been a strategic partner to innovators such as SpaceX, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Lockheed Martin, Avio, and General Motors. Velo3D has been named as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies for 2023. For more information, please visit Velo3D.com, or follow the Company on LinkedIn or Twitter

Aconity3D Kicks Off Series Production of Aconity𝙄𝙉𝙁𝙄𝙉𝙄𝙁𝙄𝙇𝙏𝙀𝙍 Filtration System for Metal AM

HERZOGENRATH, Germany, May 5, 2025 – Aconity3D is proud to announce the start of series production for theΒ Aconity𝙄𝙉𝙁𝙄𝙉𝙄𝙁𝙄𝙇𝙏𝙀𝙍 – a next-generation filtration system setting new standards in reliability, safety, and operational efficiency for metal additive manufacturing environments.

Designed as a fully modular and scalable solution, the Aconity𝙄𝙉𝙁𝙄𝙉𝙄𝙁𝙄𝙇𝙏𝙀𝙍 combines robust mechanical design with intelligent system integration to ensure long-term, uninterrupted machine uptime.

Reliable by Design

  • Advanced internal monitoring and diagnostic capabilities*
  • Redesigned chalk conveyance system
  • Completely enclosed, dust-tight housing
  • Proven long-term stability, even during continuous week-long build jobs
  • Rugged construction for industrial-grade operation

Low Maintenance – High Efficiency

  • Long-life sintered filter elements with a typical service life ofΒ 2 to 5 years
  • Enlarged chalk reservoir for extended operation
  • No machine downtimeΒ required for routine filter changes

Enhanced Safety for AM Operations

  • Fully encapsulated extraction chamber
  • Dust-to-bucket handling minimizes manual intervention
  • In development:Β controlled oxidation for direct passivationΒ of reactive materials
  • Significant reduction of fire and explosion risks in powder-rich environments

Effective immediately, the Aconity𝙄𝙉𝙁𝙄𝙉𝙄𝙁𝙄𝙇𝙏𝙀𝙍 is aΒ standard componentΒ in all Aconity𝙓 systems and is also available as aΒ retrofit optionΒ for existing machines.

We continue to deliver forward-looking solutions that address the practical needs of industrial AM usersβ€”ensuring safer, more reliable, and more efficient production environments.

For more information, visit https://aconity3d.com.