Index Group Expands to Include Additive Manufacturing

The Index Group in Esslingen, Germany, is extending its business into additive manufacturing. Index acquired a majority interest in Trumpf’s One Click Metal GmbH. This will provide One Click Metal with additional know-how and capital to continue its growth trajectory in the entry-level segment for 3D printers. Trumpf remains involved as an active and strategic partner and will support the company’s future development in collaboration with Index.

With a workforce of about 20 employees, One Click Metal develops solutions in metal 3D printing for small and medium-sized components. From programming to printing, to unpacking and the powder cycle, all process steps are geared towards the simplest and most convenient use, according to the Index Group. Trumpf employees founded the startup in April 2019 within the scope of the “Trumpf Internehmertum” initiative and established its headquarters in Tamm, near Ludwigsburg.

One Click Metal’s customers include businesses from the mechanical engineering, tool manufacturing and automotive industries, as well as training centers. They use the systems not only for product development and prototyping, but also for industrial production of individual parts and small production runs.

The Index Group consists of the Index and Traub brands. It was founded in 1914 and is a leading manufacturer of CNC turning machines.