APPLE TREE Establishes Partnership with Formlabs to Enhance 3D Printing Solutions in Japan

APPLE TREE and Formlabs Partnership

APPLE TREE株式会社, headquartered in Osaka, has recently signed a distribution agreement with Formlabs Inc., an American 3D printer manufacturer. This partnership will enable the company to offer Formlabs products and technical support throughout Japan, marking a significant step in enhancing local access to advanced 3D printing technologies.

In recent years, the manufacturing industry has seen a remarkable shift, with 3D printing now being utilized not just for prototyping but also for small-batch production and service bureau applications. As on-demand production needs increase, there is a growing demand for solutions that offer high-quality and reliable results.

Formlabs stands out as a leading provider of professional 3D printing solutions, focusing on SLA (Stereolithography) and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) technologies. Their comprehensive offerings range from printers to post-processing equipment, software, and materials, catering to a wide array of professional applications.

Through this new partnership, APPLE TREE plans to provide extensive support, from the implementation of Formlabs products to ongoing operational assistance. This initiative aims to further promote the use of 3D printing in Japanese manufacturing, research institutions, and educational sectors, especially for small-batch production and service bureau applications.

In addition to this collaboration, APPLE TREE has begun offering key Formlabs products, including the SLS printer “Fuse 1+ 30W,” the advanced SLA printer “Form 4,” and the large-scale compatible “Form 4L.”

The Fuse 1+ 30W, utilizing SLS technology, is capable of producing complex geometries without the need for support structures, making it ideal for small-batch production and final product applications. It supports a build size of 165×165×300mm, accommodating functional part production in larger quantities.

The Form 4, featuring a newly developed print engine, offers rapid and stable outputs, suitable for a broad range of applications from prototypes to end products. Its excellent productivity helps to significantly reduce development lead times.

On the other hand, the Form 4L is a large-volume SLA 3D printer that can cater to expansive production needs—from prototypes to sizable models. With its high-speed and reliable printing performance, it significantly enhances the speed of development.

Insights from Formlabs Executives

Daisuke Takemura, General Manager of Formlabs Japan, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, commenting, "We are thrilled to welcome APPLE TREE as a dedicated sales partner in Japan. Their technical expertise and customer-first approach have earned them a stellar reputation in the Japanese digital fabrication market. Through this collaboration, we hope to provide broader access to Formlabs’ high-performance and user-friendly solutions to customers across the region."

Judit Piukovics, General Manager of Formlabs APAC, noted the strategic importance of Japan's advanced manufacturing market within the Asia-Pacific region. She highlighted, "Expanding our partner network in this area is crucial for Formlabs' long-term growth strategy. I am delighted that through our partnership with APPLE TREE, we can make our industry-leading SLA and SLS solutions more accessible to our Japanese customers. We aim to support more companies in harnessing professional 3D printing to improve manufacturing flexibility and accelerate innovation."

APPLE TREE’s President, Sho Myung Park, also commented on the collaboration, stating, "Formlabs has consistently delivered high-accuracy lithography technologies in user-friendly formats. Recently, the use of their technology has rapidly expanded beyond prototyping, gaining traction in small-batch production and service bureau applications. As on-demand manufacturing and mass customization evolve, Formlabs' reliable and high-quality solutions will become indispensable for service bureau operators. We are committed to supporting the growth of digital manufacturing in Japan through Formlabs' innovative offerings, aiding in the creation of new businesses and production innovations."

What to Expect from APPLE TREE

In conjunction with introducing Formlabs products, APPLE TREE is enhancing environments to allow customers to experience 3D printing more closely. They plan to establish the “3D Printer Lab DeepMaker” in North Horie, Osaka, which will exhibit actual machines and offer consultations on deployment tailored to customer needs (by reservation). This space will facilitate a hands-on approach for a wide array of clients, particularly in the manufacturing sector, enabling them to explore practical applications for 3D printing technologies.

For more information about APPLE TREE and their offerings, visit their official website at APPLE TREE.