Last updated: September 6, 2016
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Continuing interest from commercial side lifts 3D printer sector
US-based General Electric is buying two European 3-D printing companies for a combined $1.4bn, tapping into what it sees as manufacturers' growing demand for digital technologies. Both Arcam and SLM Solutions make machines that can print metal parts used in aircraft components such as turbines.
3D printing "will drive new levels of productivity for GE including a wide array of additive manufacturing customers, and for the industrial world," CEO Jeff Immelt said in a statement.
Sales of 3D printing into education and for small business use have tailed off, according to figures, while advanced use has taken time to develop but is now coming through strongly.