Anyone who has searched for Desktop Metal in recent months has likely come across a new name: ARC Impact. For many customers and prospective clients, this raises questions—does the new name mean new products, new points of contact, or even the end of the familiar systems? We’ll explain what’s behind the change and what it specifically means for users of metal 3D printing in the DACH region.

What happened?

Desktop Metal, one of the best-known names in the field of metal 3D printing, ran into financial difficulties in 2025 and filed for bankruptcy under U.S. Chapter 11. In September 2025, as part of the bankruptcy proceedings, ARC Impact acquired key assets from Desktop Metal—including the binder jetting technology and associated intellectual property rights, the production systems of the Production System and X-Series platforms, and material technologies such as DuraChain elastomers and FreeFoam foams from Adaptive3D.

This means that the technology behind the well-known binder jetting systems has not disappeared but has been acquired by a new owner and is being continued under a new brand.

Who is ARC Impact?

ARC Impact has since emerged as an independent company that continues to market the existing Desktop Metal systems under the name “ARC Impact (formerly Desktop Metal).” The company is led by CEO Thomas Nogueira, supported by Rick Lucas as Chief Growth Officer and Jonah Myerberg as Chief Innovation Officer.

Strategically, ARC Impact positions itself as an AI-powered advanced manufacturing platform with a clear focus: Metal and ceramic binder jetting is to be specifically combined with industrial polymers and AI-driven material development to strengthen manufacturing capabilities—particularly in the U.S. Priority application areas include components for defense vehicles, silicon carbide optics for laser systems, rare-earth-free magnets, and components for solid-state batteries. ARC Impact is already advancing several publicly funded programs, including a $7.9 million collaboration with the U.S. Army and a $2 million program with the Department of Veterans Affairs for specialized manufacturing.

What does this mean for existing customers?

For companies that already use a Binder Jetting System from Desktop Metal or are planning to purchase one, the most important news is that the product lines will continue. Systems such as the Studio System, the Shop System, InnoventX, and the X Series (X25Pro and X160Pro) remain in the portfolio—now under the ARC Impact name, but with the same underlying binder jetting technology for metal 3D printing that made these systems famous.

ARC Impact has established its own support team for existing customers to ensure continuity and product quality. In the DACH region, AM Pioneers, as the official distribution partner, will continue to provide direct consulting, sales, and technical support for the systems—so regardless of the brand change on the manufacturer’s side, the usual point of contact for customers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland remains the same.

What does this mean for the metal 3D printing market?

The change in ownership is emblematic of the current state of affairs for companies in the additive manufacturing sector; acquisitions and realignments are no longer the exception. For companies looking to purchase a binder jetting system, it is therefore particularly worthwhile to consider the stability and strategic direction of the respective manufacturer. With a clear focus on industrial applications, government-funded programs, and a well-established sales structure in the DACH region through AM Pioneers, the technology behind the former Desktop Metal stands on a solid foundation for the future of metal 3D printing.

Conclusion

The transition from Desktop Metal to ARC Impact is primarily a change in ownership, not a break in the technology or product portfolio. Anyone interested in a binder jetting system for metal 3D printing or who already has one in use can continue to rely on the proven systems and—in the German-speaking region—on personalized advice from AM Pioneers.

Do you have questions about your existing Desktop Metal/ARC Impact system, or are you planning to purchase a binder jetting system for your metal 3D printing? Contact us—we’d be happy to advise you.

Frederik Nussbaumer
Head of Sales
+49 172 4059105
frederik.nussbaumer@am-pioneers.com