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Align announced its agreement to acquire Cubicure GmbH.
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Cubicure's technology employs a mechanism that enables the processing of extremely viscous resins, facilitating unprecedented adiitive manufacturing.
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The transaction's purchase price, anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2023 or early in 2024 will be nearly €79 million.
Align Technology, known for its Invisalign system, is set to acquire Cubicure GmbH, a private pioneer in direct 3D printing solutions for polymer additive manufacturing. Cubicure specializes in developing, producing, and distributing innovative materials, processes, and equipment for novel 3D printing solutions.
Align Technology, known for its clear aligners and 3D printing operations, seeks to innovate and invest in technologies that support the next generation of direct 3D printed products. This acquisition aligns with its strategy to scale 3D printing operations and drive innovation in the field.
Cubicure's technology allows for high-precision 3D printing, producing resilient components with exceptional material quality performance. The acquisition will expand Align's knowledge and expertise in direct 3D printing, enhancing its global leadership in digital orthodontics and 3D printing. The company is known for its patented Hot Lithography technology, which employs a unique heating and coating mechanism to process highly viscous resins. This technology results in tough and temperature-resistant polymers.
Senior Vice President of product research and development at Align, Srini Kaza, remarked,
“Align and Cubicure have worked together for many years and our successful collaboration has contributed to breakthrough technologies and innovation in direct 3D printing. This acquisition of Cubicure will strengthen the Align Digital Platform and our core capabilities in direct 3D printing, and their talented team, including visionary founders, engineers, and material scientists, will expand our knowledge and expertise in one of the most strategic areas of innovation over the next decade. I look forward to welcoming the entire Cubicure team to Align and continuing to extend our global leadership in digital orthodontics and 3D printing.”
[Source: Business Wire]
Joe Hogan, Align Technology's president and CEO, recognized as a pioneer and global leader in clear aligners with the world's largest 3D printing operations, mentioned that Align remains committed to innovation and investments in technologies that facilitate the development of the next generation of direct 3D printed products. He explained that their partnership with Cubicure began a few years ago as a joint development program and has evolved over time, presenting the potential for significant innovations in expanding their direct 3D printing capabilities. Joe added that the decision to acquire Cubicure was a logical progression, as it enables them to integrate Cubicure's talented team and advanced technology internally, aligning with their long-term growth strategy to scale their 3D printing operations for eventually direct printing millions of custom appliances each day.
The acquisition is expected to strengthen Align's intellectual property portfolio and expand its capabilities in 3D printing of appliances. This strategic move will contribute to Align's long-term growth strategy, allowing the company to scale its 3D printing operations significantly.