SLM Solutions reports continued growth for metal additive manufacturing systems in 2015

During the first half of 2015, the German industrial 3D printing solutions provider received orders almost three times that of the previous year stating new orders from existing customers and multi-machine orders from industrial customers as key drivers. New order intake totalled 40 machines including eight editions of the flagship system, SLM 500HL, 25 editions of the SLM 280HL and seven editions of the SLM 125HL.

Uwe Bögershausen, CFO of SLM Solutions Group AG, commented: « Compared with the previous year, we report significant growth in our revenue during the first six months of the year. This growth is all the more pleasing considering that the first half of the year tends to be weaker, and we anticipate most of our business in 2015 to be realised towards the year-end. On a full-year view, we continue to project new order intake of more than 100 machines. »

Total operating revenue of EUR 25.1 million was up by 85.7 %, in line with the higher business volumes. The cost of materials ratio (as % of total operating revenue) of 56.4 % was at a comparable level to the previous year’s 57.6 %. Additionally, the number of employees as of June 30, 2015 nearly doubled compared with the previous year’s reporting date from 94 to 184 individuals; with the strongest concentration of hiring in R&D.

Dr. Markus Rechlin, CEO of SLM Solutions Group AG, added: « The global market for additive manufacturing has grown by an average of 34 % over the past years, and it is set to reach a level of USD $22 billion by 2020, according to sector experts. We aim to grow at least as fast as the market, and better yet, would like to outpace this growth on a regular basis. In such a dynamic market environment, we do not think it exaggerated to speak of a new industrial revolution. We aim to continue to shape and design this revolution as a technology leader. »

Visit SLM Solutions on stand G24 at TCT Show + Personalize 2015 on 30th September – 1st October at NEC, Birmingham.