Australian 3D scanning and printing businesses merge, strengthen Australian sovereignty

Wysiwyg 3D and GoProto have merged to create a unified Australian laser scanning and 3D printing service bureau. Wysiwyg’s expertise in 3D scanning enhances GoProto’s printing business, which creates a stronger manufacturing network. The partnership creates a streamlined solution at every stage of the product development cycle. This merger also highlights a growing trend in the additive manufacturing space: countries and regions prioritize AM because it enhances supply chain sovereignty.

The partnership stems from recent repairs conducted on a rescue helicopter’s fuselage hatch. The two companies were engaged to replace a part for a New South Wales emergency services provider. The provider relied on overseas supply chains for spare parts. Delays caused by COVID-19 made the acquisition of such parts impossible within a short time. Wysiwyg scanned the damaged hatch. GoProto printed lightweight and durable replacement parts, which were installed within five days. The helicopter was quickly returned to service.

Rapidly returning the helicopter to service points to the partnership’s attractive value proposition for government and Australian companies. The stem-to-stern manufacturing potential inherent in the now-merged businesses means that replacement parts are easier to acquire from an Australian supplier. That easy acquisition process secures Australian sovereignty against international circumstances affecting supply chains.

Shane Rolton, Wysiwyg 3D’s managing director, sees the merge as a particularly beneficial opportunity for clients, employees and business partners: “Our focus has always been on taking care of our customers by understanding what drives their business and providing solutions that affect the bottom line.” Shane adds, “we’ve already been working on a number of projects with GoProto. Combining our expertise and resources shortens the time lag between scan data and production, putting ourselves exactly where our customers need us.”

Simon Marriott, Director of GoProto, sees the adoption of 3D scanning and product digitization increasing enormously as manufacturers adopt Industry 4.0 to become best-in-class. The partnership with Wysiwyg 3D is a logical step in the company’s growth strategy.