Meta, the parent company behind Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, announced a few days ago that it had acquired Luxexcel, a Belgian-Dutch company specializing in the manufacture of 3D-printed lenses. This company had already raised several million euros to market its eyeglass lenses, which it manufactures using additive manufacturing. This acquisition was discreet, but represents an important strategic step for the market and is another sign that companies are increasingly interested in 3D technologies. Meta is thus gaining a foothold in the 3D printing sector, while also intending to use this acquisition to expand its range of smart glasses.

The year 2022 was marked by numerous consolidations, especially partnerships or mergers between players in 3D printing, but that’s not all. Indeed, we have seen companies from outside the market buying up leaders in the field – we can point to Nikon’s acquisition of SLM Solutions, for example. And Meta’s announcement last week confirms this trend. But why is the tech giant interested in a 3D-printed lens manufacturer?

You can find the article on this topic here (in German)