GE Additive acquires GeonX to strengthen software simulation capabilities

GE Additive has acquired GeonX, a privately-owned developer of simulation software. Terms of the deal are not being disclosed. Headquartered in Belgium, GeonX provides software for engineers when developing new products, to simulate additive manufacturing, welding, machining and heat treatment processes in various industries such as aerospace, automotive and energy. GeonX’s simulation software tool, Virfac® (short for Virtual Factory), assesses products prior to production; predicting defects, distortions and stresses and the impact manufacturing has on a product’s durability. This helps to reduce the number of prototypes built during the development phase, while improving the quality and lifetime of the manufactured products. This can minimize the time to market and development costs. For many years, GE has been a leading end user and innovator in the additive manufacturing space. In addition to the US$1.4bn investment in Concept Laser and Arcam, GE has also invested approximately US$1.5bn in manufacturing and additive technologies over the past 10 years, developed additive applications across all GE businesses, created new services applications across the company, and earned hundreds of patents in material science. In 2016, the company established GE Additive to become a leading supplier of additive technology, materials and services for industries and businesses worldwide.