Markforged is a leading American company that specializes in designing and manufacturing 3D printers, offering groundbreaking solutions for the manufacturing industry. With their advanced technology and materials, Markforged is at the forefront of additive manufacturing innovation.
Founded in 2013 by Gregory Mark and David Benhaim, Markforged quickly gained recognition for their industrial platform of 3D printers, software, and materials known as The Digital Forge. Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, Markforged has been revolutionizing the way manufacturers produce parts and prototypes.
Key Takeaways:
- Markforged is a leading American company specializing in 3D printing for the manufacturing industry.
- The Digital Forge is Markforged’s industrial platform of 3D printers, software, and materials.
- Markforged is known for their development of 3D printers capable of printing continuous carbon fiber reinforcement.
- The company offers a cloud-based software called Eiger for collaboration and workflow management.
- Markforged is committed to sustainability and environmentally friendly manufacturing solutions.
History of Markforged
Markforged, a renowned additive manufacturing company, has a rich history of innovation and technological advancements in the field. Let’s explore the key milestones that have shaped the company’s journey:
1. The “Mark One” Prototype Printer
In 2014, Markforged made its mark by showcasing the revolutionary “Mark One” prototype printer at the SolidWorks World. This printer gained attention for its ability to print in continuous carbon fiber, fiberglass, nylon, and polylactic acid (PLA). The introduction of continuous carbon fiber reinforcement in 3D printing was a game-changer for the industry, opening up new possibilities for strong and lightweight parts.
2. Cloud-Based Software: Eiger
In 2015, Markforged introduced Eiger, a cloud-based 3D printing software. Eiger enabled seamless collaboration and streamlined workflow management for teams. With Eiger, users can upload, edit, and share 3D models, making the entire printing process more efficient and user-friendly.
3. Unveiling the Metal X
In 2017, Markforged once again pushed the boundaries of additive manufacturing with the unveiling of the Metal X. This groundbreaking 3D printer utilizes Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing (ADAM) technology to print metal parts at a significantly lower cost compared to traditional methods. The Metal X brought metal 3D printing within reach for a wide range of industries, opening up new avenues for manufacturing innovation.
4. Patents and Innovations
Markforged has made significant contributions to the field of additive manufacturing through its patented technologies. These patents validate the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in 3D printing. Notably, Markforged secured a favorable outcome in a patent infringement lawsuit against Desktop Metal in 2018, further solidifying their position as a leader in the industry.
Markforged’s Commitment to Emissions Standards
In today’s increasingly environmentally conscious world, companies are striving to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices. Markforged, a leading player in the additive manufacturing industry, is dedicated to meeting emissions standards and producing lower emissions 3D printers.
In 2019, Markforged announced its pursuit of certification against UL Standard 2904, a rigorous standard for testing and assessing particle and chemical emissions from 3D printers. This certification ensures that Markforged printers meet stringent emissions criteria and confirms their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Markforged prides itself on designing printers that generate lower emissions compared to many competing machines. By investing in research and development, Markforged has developed innovative technologies and manufacturing processes that contribute to reduced emissions without compromising on quality or performance.
Markforged’s dedication to emissions standards aligns with their broader mission of producing sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing solutions. By choosing a Markforged 3D printer, businesses can reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a greener future.
To illustrate Markforged’s commitment to emissions standards, consider the following comparison:
| 3D Printer Brand | Emissions |
|---|---|
| Markforged | Lower emissions |
| Competitor X | Higher emissions |
As shown in the table above, Markforged 3D printers exhibit lower emissions compared to a competitor, making them an excellent choice for environmentally conscious businesses.
Markforged’s Expansion and Achievements
In 2020, Markforged achieved ISO/IEC 27001 Certification, making it the first known additive manufacturing platform to receive this prestigious certification. The ISO/IEC 27001 Certification demonstrates Markforged’s commitment to implementing and maintaining robust information security management systems, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical data.
Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, Markforged showcased its resilience and dedication to making a positive impact. The company actively collaborated with healthcare professionals and organizations, leveraging its additive manufacturing capabilities to address urgent needs in the medical community.
In response to the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), Markforged swiftly mobilized its resources and production capacity to manufacture over 6,000 face shields. These face shields played a crucial role in safeguarding the frontline healthcare workers who risked their lives to fight against the virus.
Recognizing the pressing need for COVID-19 testing supplies, Markforged partnered with Neurophotometrics to develop 3D printed nasopharyngeal swabs. These swabs, an essential component of COVID-19 testing kits, were rapidly produced using Markforged’s advanced additive manufacturing technology, helping to alleviate the supply shortages faced by healthcare providers.
This proactive response and collaboration earned Markforged widespread recognition for its commitment to supporting healthcare needs during this challenging time. The company’s efforts not only demonstrated its leadership in additive manufacturing but also showcased its dedication to driving positive change and contributing to the greater good.
Markforged’s Achievements during COVID-19:
- Manufactured over 6,000 face shields to support healthcare workers.
- Partnered with Neurophotometrics to develop 3D printed nasopharyngeal swabs for COVID-19 testing.
In the face of unprecedented challenges, Markforged’s commitment to innovation and social responsibility remains unwavering, positioning the company as a leader in the additive manufacturing industry.
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2020 | ISO/IEC 27001 Certification |
| 2020 | Production of over 6,000 face shields |
| 2020 | Partnership for 3D printed nasopharyngeal swabs |
Markforged’s Product Offerings
Markforged offers a comprehensive range of 3D printers as part of their additive manufacturing platform, The Digital Forge. This diverse lineup includes industrial composite printers, metal printers, and desktop composite printers, catering to a wide range of manufacturing needs. Let’s explore each product category in detail:
Industrial Composite Printers
Markforged’s industrial composite printers are renowned for their ability to produce high-strength parts with continuous fiber reinforcement. The flagship model in this category is the X7 printer, which delivers exceptional performance and reliability. With the X7, manufacturers can create robust end-use parts with enhanced mechanical properties, making it ideal for applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and robotics.
Metal Printers: Markforged Metal X
The Metal X system revolutionizes metal 3D printing by combining material extrusion-based additive manufacturing with metal injection molding. This innovative approach allows manufacturers to produce complex metal parts at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. With the Metal X, businesses can leverage the benefits of additive manufacturing while achieving the strength and durability of metal components, opening up new possibilities across various industries.
Desktop Composite Printers
Markforged also offers desktop composite printers that provide the versatility and affordability required for smaller-scale projects. The Mark One and Mark Two models are popular choices among designers, engineers, and hobbyists. These printers enable users to create functional prototypes, custom tools, and low-volume production parts with ease. The ability to print with continuous carbon fiber and other composite materials makes the desktop printers a valuable addition to any creative workspace.
With Markforged’s extensive product lineup, manufacturers can harness the power of additive manufacturing to achieve higher precision, efficiency, and cost savings in their production processes. Whether it’s creating strong composite parts or printing metal components, Markforged offers printers that combine cutting-edge technology with unmatched reliability.
| Product Category | Key Features | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Composite Printers | – Continuous fiber reinforcement – High-strength parts – Reliability and performance |
– Aerospace – Automotive – Robotics |
| Metal Printers | – Material extrusion-based additive manufacturing – Metal injection molding – Complex metal parts at a lower cost |
– Manufacturing – Engineering – Medical devices |
| Desktop Composite Printers | – Versatility and affordability – Continuous carbon fiber printing – Functional prototypes |
– Design – Engineering – Education |
Markforged’s Business Model and Funding
Markforged operates with a business model that revolves around the sale of industrial 3D printers as alternatives to traditional metal manufacturing methods. The company aims to attract customers by offering parallel printing capabilities across multiple machines, providing increased efficiency and productivity in the manufacturing process.
Markforged faces competition from both well-established 3D printing companies like Stratasys, 3D Systems, and HP, as well as emerging startups such as Desktop Metal and Carbon. These competitors challenge Markforged in terms of market share and technological advancements. However, Markforged’s focus on continuous fiber reinforcement and its range of industrial-grade printers give them a competitive edge in the additive manufacturing industry.
Since its founding in 2013, Markforged has successfully secured significant funding from prominent venture capital firms and strategic investors. Notable investors include North Bridge Venture Partners, Matrix Partners, Microsoft Ventures, Porsche SE, Trinity Ventures, and Next47, which have all recognized the potential and value of Markforged’s innovative approach to additive manufacturing. This robust funding has allowed Markforged to develop cutting-edge technologies and expand its product offerings to cater to the evolving needs of the manufacturing industry.
Markforged’s Expansion Plans and New Headquarters
In December 2021, Markforged unveiled its expansion plans that would see the company relocate to a new corporate headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts. The move to the address at 60 Tower Rd was necessitated by the company’s impressive growth trajectory and the need for a larger space to accommodate its expanding operations in the additive manufacturing industry.
Markforged’s new headquarters was expected to be completed by the fall of 2022. As of February 2023, the state-of-the-art facility is fully operational, symbolizing the company’s commitment to innovation and its ongoing dedication to delivering cutting-edge 3D printing solutions.
The new headquarters provides Markforged with an expanded workspace, allowing the company to continue spearheading advancements in additive manufacturing and catering to the growing demands of its customer base.
With this strategic move, Markforged is positioning itself as a leader in the industry, signaling its intent to push the boundaries of what is possible with 3D printing technology and cementing its status as a key player in the global manufacturing landscape.
| Benefits of Markforged’s New Headquarters |
|---|
| Enhanced operational capacity |
| State-of-the-art facilities |
| Expanded workspace for research and development |
| Increased production capabilities |
| Centralized location for improved collaboration |
The Benefits of Markforged 3D Printers
Markforged 3D printers offer manufacturers numerous advantages, revolutionizing the way precision manufacturing is achieved. With the ability to produce high-quality parts using continuous carbon fiber reinforcement and other advanced materials, Markforged printers deliver exceptional precision and durability. This empowers manufacturers to create components with intricate designs and intricate geometry that were previously challenging or impossible with traditional manufacturing methods.
One of the notable benefits of Markforged 3D printers is the efficiency they bring to production processes. By enabling on-demand printing, manufacturers can reduce lead times and eliminate the need for large inventories of pre-made parts. This results in significant cost savings and improved agility in responding to changing demands. Additionally, the streamlined production process minimizes waste, as only the necessary parts are printed, reducing environmental impact.
Markforged’s dedication to efficiency extends beyond printing capabilities. The company’s cloud-based software, Eiger, enhances collaboration and workflow management. Manufacturers can easily share designs, track projects, and optimize the production process. This centralized platform promotes seamless communication among teams, resulting in increased productivity and faster time-to-market.
Overall, Markforged 3D printers offer precision, efficiency, and collaboration advantages that enable manufacturers to enhance their production capabilities and stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape.
Benefits of Markforged 3D Printers:
- Precision manufacturing of high-quality parts
- Efficient on-demand printing, reducing lead times
- Cost savings by eliminating the need for large inventories
- Reduced waste and environmental impact
- Streamlined workflow management with cloud-based software
| Markforged 3D Printers | Traditional Manufacturing | |
|---|---|---|
| Precision | Offers high precision with continuous carbon fiber reinforcement | May have limitations in achieving intricate designs and geometry |
| Efficiency | Enables on-demand printing, reducing lead times and production costs | Requires pre-production of parts, leading to longer lead times and higher inventory costs |
| Environmental Impact | Reduces waste by printing only the necessary parts | May generate more waste through excess stock and scrap materials |
| Collaboration | Cloud-based software enhances collaboration and workflow management | May involve manual coordination and communication, leading to inefficiencies |
The Future of Markforged and Additive Manufacturing
Markforged is at the forefront of additive manufacturing innovation, and the future looks bright for both the company and the industry as a whole. As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, Markforged is well-positioned to introduce new and improved 3D printers, materials, and software that will revolutionize the manufacturing landscape.
One of the key trends in additive manufacturing is the increased adoption of this technology across various industries. As companies recognize the benefits of 3D printing, including faster production times, reduced costs, and greater design flexibility, they are increasingly integrating additive manufacturing into their workflows. This widespread adoption bodes well for Markforged, as their industrial 3D printers are built to meet the needs of professional manufacturers.
Additive manufacturing is also experiencing significant advancements in materials, print resolution, and speed. Markforged is constantly pushing the boundaries to deliver the highest quality parts with precision and durability. With their continuous carbon fiber reinforcement technology and a wide range of advanced materials, Markforged printers are poised to play a crucial role in the future of manufacturing.
Furthermore, Markforged’s commitment to sustainability, emissions standards, and production efficiency sets them apart in the additive manufacturing industry. As the demand for environmentally friendly manufacturing solutions grows, Markforged is well-equipped to meet these needs and provide sustainable solutions that align with evolving industry standards.