The growth of the 3D industry has been marked by a dynamic of strategic partnerships and collaborations between companies and institutions. These alliances play an essential role in the development of innovative technologies, as well as in the creation of new markets. Find out how these strategic partnerships and collaborations manifest themselves in the 3D sector, and why they are essential.

What kinds of strategic partnerships are there in the 3D industry?

A strategic partnership is an agreement between two or more companies to work together to achieve common goals and mutual benefits. The 3D world is full of different kinds of companies, each with its own specialties, increasing the possibilities for partnerships.

Partnerships between software developers

There are a variety of possible technology partnerships for computer-aided design (CAD) software publishers, enabling graphic designers to optimize modeling.

3D design software partnerships

Such is the case with the existing partnership between Autodesk's Revit software and BIM Cloisons' Expert Siniat software.

Partnerships for connecting different processes

A partnership has made possible a connection between Esri's ArcGis GeoBIM and Autodesk's BIM Collaborate Pro and their Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information System (GIS) processes. Thanks to this partnership, you get geospatial contextualization of information from a 3D building modeling project.

Partnership programs

Offered by major suppliers of 3D design software, these partnerships provide independent software developers with an opportunity to integrate their solution into the host company's product range, and offer it to an already loyal customer base. For larger companies designing 3D modeling software, partnerships with smaller, innovative developers enable them to complement or extend their applications. Such is the case with Dassault Systèmes' " Complementary Software " partnership program.

Partnerships between software publishers and distributors

Distribution partnerships are becoming increasingly common in the 3D industry. These are agreements between 3D design software developers and companies specializing in retail sales. This type of partnership offers software publishers the opportunity to expand into the international market. For architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals in different countries, it's an excellent opportunity to benefit from the best 3D technologies on the market.

These partnerships provide personalized technical support and after-sales service to users who have subscribed or purchased a license from resellers authorized in their language and time zone. These distributors can offer a range of services such as :

• A collaborative platform: this brings together several products from a software publisher, such as the 3DEXPERIENCE platform from distributor Keonys. It includes design, simulation and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software from Dassault Systèmes (Solidworks, CATIA, DELMIA, SIMULIA...);
• A subscription-based package: this includes business software such as that offered by Sogelink. This reseller is on Autodesk's "Gold Partner" list, with the Autodesk AEC Collection range of special software.

Partnership between 3D printer manufacturers and material suppliers

Additive construction or 3D printing is the branch of the 3D industry that requires the most partnerships. That's why the major 3D printer manufacturers have set up programs to bring together a large number of material suppliers.

These collaborations enable us to offer a diversity of high-quality materials, approved and compatible with 3D printers, and increasingly aligned with eco-responsible elements. Among the most notable partnerships in 3D printing, we can cite:

• The partnership between Intamsys and Polymaker, respectively specialists in the manufacture of industrial-grade 3D printers and in the creation of functional, high-performance materials suitable for a variety of industrial applications, as part of the Printer Manufacturer Partnership Program (PMPP).
• The partnership between FDM 3D printer manufacturer Ultimaker and Kimya, the producer of 3D filaments, as part of the "Ultimaker Material Alliance Program", which certifies a wide range of 3D printing filaments and includes 78 other approved partners.

What are the advantages of partnerships and collaborations in the 3D industry?

Strategic partnerships are collaborations established between two companies with the aim of achieving mutual growth. Collaboration is in high demand in the 3D sector, as it brings together independent, interconnected disciplines, offering a multitude of advantages.

Stimulating innovation and access to cutting-edge technologies

Strategic partnerships foster innovation by enabling the sharing of knowledge and resources between partners, and by involving emerging companies and startups. This accelerates development and technological advances. In addition, collaborations between different companies enable the use of complementary technologies, outside each company's area of expertise.

Extending the reach

Partners can benefit from extending the geographical reach of their businesses by leveraging the reputation of the companies they collaborate with. This enables them to target new customers in different parts of the world. Partnerships with resellers of 3D products are a perfect illustration of this.

3D process and product optimization

Partnerships can lead to the optimization of the manufacturing or design process for a 3D project, thanks to the combined knowledge and technologies of the partners. They also enable the development of a more complete solution, better adapted to customer needs, by combining the expertise and technological innovations of each party.

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