Japan’s Shin Dong Acquires Bosch Advanced Ceramics, Expanding Global Presence in Ceramic 3D Printing

A Landmark Deal in Ceramic Additive Manufacturing

The ceramic additive manufacturing sector is entering a period of rapid expansion, driven by surging demand for high-temperature-resistant, high-precision components across advanced industries. Against this backdrop, Sintokogio – Japan’s leading industrial equipment and advanced materials group – formally announced during Formnext 2025 in Frankfurt, Germany, that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Bosch Advanced Ceramics, a pioneer in the additive manufacturing of technical ceramics.

The transaction is expected to close on January 1, 2026. Upon completion, the business will operate under the new name Sinto Advanced Ceramics Europe GmbH. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. The acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions.

About Sintokogio: Eight Decades of Manufacturing Excellence

Founded in 1943 and headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, Sintokogio originally specialized in foundry equipment manufacturing. Over the decades, the company has progressively expanded into advanced materials and additive manufacturing. In 2017, Sintokogio made its landmark entry into industrial-grade ceramic additive manufacturing by acquiring 3D Ceram Sinto, a French company and a global leader in ceramic stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing. The group also operates in the sand binder jetting segment through its Laempe division.

Today, Sintokogio stands as a major global supplier of high-performance ceramics and intelligent casting solutions, continuously driving the manufacturing industry toward greater precision and efficiency.

Bosch Advanced Ceramics: A Decade of Ceramic Innovation

Since 2016, Bosch Advanced Ceramics has been at the forefront of additive manufacturing for technical ceramics, delivering high-precision, high-performance ceramic components to industries that demand extreme durability. Following its integration into the Sintokogio Group, the company’s core business direction will remain unchanged, continuing to provide customers with premium ceramic component manufacturing services.

Leadership Transition

Alongside the corporate restructuring, key leadership changes have been announced. Nikolai Sauer, former Chief Technology Officer of Bosch Advanced Ceramics, will assume the role of Managing Director, taking full responsibility for European operations. Former CEO Sophie Berninger will transition to a new position within the Bosch Group.

Strategic Significance: Building a Global Ceramics Ecosystem

Atsushi Nagai, President of Sintokogio Group, commented on the acquisition:

Sintokogio’s acquisition strategy in the ceramic additive manufacturing space has been methodical and ambitious. The 2017 acquisition of 3D Ceram Sinto established the group’s capabilities in ceramic SLA 3D printing, while its Laempe division covers sand binder jetting technology. The addition of Bosch Advanced Ceramics further completes its advanced ceramics manufacturing ecosystem, positioning the group as a comprehensive, end-to-end solutions provider in the global ceramic AM market.

Customer Experience: Business as Usual

Despite the change in ownership, Sintokogio has assured that Sinto Advanced Ceramics Europe GmbH will maintain all existing production processes, material systems, and ongoing customer projects without interruption. The Group has committed to investing additional resources toward:

The company will retain its independent positioning as a specialized contract manufacturer, ensuring continuity and reliability for all existing and future clients.

Industry Analysis: Why This Matters

Through the acquisition of Bosch Advanced Ceramics, Sintokogio significantly enhances its influence in both the European and global technical ceramics 3D printing markets. Leveraging Bosch Advanced Ceramics’ impressive growth trajectory and deep technical expertise, combined with Sintokogio’s established footprint in ceramic additive manufacturing, the two entities are poised to jointly accelerate the large-scale adoption of high-performance ceramic components in premium manufacturing sectors – including aerospace, semiconductor equipment, and medical technology.

The newly formed Sinto Advanced Ceramics Europe GmbH is expected to emerge as a significant force in the ceramic additive manufacturing landscape, signaling a new chapter of consolidation and innovation in this rapidly evolving industry.

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