University spin-out company, Meta Additive, acquired by Desktop Metal  

A University of Liverpool spin-out company, Meta Additive, has been acquired by Desktop Metal, Inc., a leader in mass production and turnkey additive manufacturing solutions.

Founded in 2019, Meta Additive is focused on developing the next generation of additive manufacturing solutions using binder jet technology along with the company’s novel functional binders. Meta’s foundational binder IP eliminates issues of porosity, shrinkage, part size limitation, and slow production speeds.

The company’s unique chemical approach to 3D printing enables manipulation of materials at the molecular level, unlocking boundless design potential as well as smarter, cheaper, and more sustainable manufacturing solutions. The acquisition of Meta Additive advances Desktop Metal’s strategy to further develop its materials portfolio and expand the high-volume applications available to its customers.

Dr Kate Black, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Meta Additive and a research leader in the development of functional materials for inkjet printing with the University of Liverpool’s School of Engineering, said: “There is a great sense of satisfaction seeing your research go from laboratory-scale into a real-life manufacturing process and now that Meta Additive has grown and become part of the Desktop Metal family, we will be able to take our technology to the next level, providing manufacturing solutions for a brighter future.”

Ric Fulop, Chief Executive Officer of Desktop Metal, said: “We are excited to welcome Meta Additive to Desktop Metal, adding next-generation binder technology to our materials portfolio. The company’s innovative non-sacrificial binders use organometallics and particles of functional build material to bind and infiltrate the powder bed simultaneously during the binder jetting process. Meta Additive’s revolutionary binder IP has the potential to reduce part shrinkage during sintering, enabling larger parts, improved tolerances, and increased productivity.”

Professor Anthony Hollander, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Impact at the University of Liverpool, said: “Kate has developed an extraordinary business opportunity for positive economic impact, based on her leading research in 3D printing and additive manufacturing. Meta Additive is a remarkable example of how our research excellence translates into commercial success. The scale of the acquisition, and the benefit to the University, is a fantastic endorsement of our University Intellectual Property Commercialisation strategy and continued investment in our spin-outs.”

The formation of Meta Additive and its acquisition has been supported by the University of Liverpool’s IP Commercialisation Team. To find out more, please visit this webpage.