Rapid Fusion has entered an exclusive partnership with Italian innovation consultancy Aivox to distribute its large format additive manufacturing (LFAM) systems, including the Zeus...

Rapid Fusion has entered an exclusive partnership with Italian innovation consultancy Aivox to distribute its large format additive manufacturing (LFAM) systems, including the Zeus, Apollo, Medusa, and Cerberus platforms. The agreement, which targets €1M in revenue by the end of 2026, involves the installation of a Zeus robotic system at Aivox’s Monza laboratory for customer demonstrations and product development. Aivox will integrate Rapid Fusion’s PE320 pellet extruder technology into custom industrial solutions for the Northern Italian naval, medtech, architecture, and fashion sectors. Rapid Fusion CEO Jake Hand and Aivox co-founders Matteo Lomaglio and Francesco Perego are leading the collaboration to address the growing demand for high-speed, large-scale polymer manufacturing in the region.

This partnership marks a strategic expansion for the UK-based Rapid Fusion into the Italian market, a region historically characterized by slower adoption of industrial 3D printing technologies. By leveraging Aivox’s existing industrial network within the LITIX Group, Rapid Fusion aims to bridge the gap between prototyping and full-scale manufacturing for local firms. This move places Rapid Fusion in direct competition with established LFAM providers currently targeting the European automotive and maritime sectors. The focus on pellet-based extrusion provides a cost-effective alternative to filament-based systems, aligning with the current market trend toward lower material costs and higher deposition rates in large-scale additive manufacturing.

For Rapid Fusion, the success of this partnership depends on the immediate conversion of the advanced-stage customer leads currently managed by Aivox. The Monza facility must demonstrate the reliability of the PE320 extruder technology to overcome local skepticism regarding the repeatability of large-scale polymer parts. Buyers in the naval and medtech sectors should prioritize evaluating the surface finish and mechanical properties of parts produced by the Zeus system compared to traditional subtractive methods. The ability to meet the €1M revenue target will serve as a benchmark for the company’s broader European expansion strategy.