South Carolina-based 3D printing companies expand partnership

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Two South Carolina-based 3D printing companies are expanding their partnership to provide customers a larger manufacturing design network.

Columbia-based ZVerse Inc. develops computer-assisted design as a service platform for digital manufacturing, while 3D Systems in Rock Hill provides parts manufacturing services. The partnership will provide 3D Systems’ customers access to ZVerse’s network of designers.

ZVerse founder and CEO John Carrington said the partnership will help companies without CAD-formatted files work with on-demand manufacturers such as 3D Systems.

Carrington said it can take as long as 18 months to design and tool a duplicate part through an injection molding process. If parts can be made with a 3D printer, manufacturers don’t have to keep an inventory of spare parts that they may or may not need.

Users will get process-specific guidance through the design phase of a project, along with file optimization for specific manufacturing needs and pre-production quality checks.

“The combination of ZVerse’s expertise and 3D Systems’ design for additive manufacturing processes will allow us to provide advanced design capabilities to our customers. This partnership enables a seamless customer experience, helping them achieve the final part they need as efficiently as possible,” said Thomas Donahue, vice president of global sales for 3D Systems.

ZVerse employs 20 people at its Columbia location and recently opened an office in Atlanta.