Exciting developments are happening in the world of 3D printing, particularly with industry leader Markforged. From their recent initial public offering to the introduction of the FX20 printer and even a patent lawsuit, there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s dive into the latest news and updates from Markforged.
Markforged Goes Public
If you’ve been following the 3D printing industry, you’ve likely heard that Markforged took a significant step by going public. The company announced its plans for an IPO back in March, and the merger with the blank check company ‘One’ has now become a reality. Markforged’s stock is trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ‘MKFG.’
The IPO provided Markforged with approximately $361 million in funds, which will be instrumental in scaling up their product offerings and supporting their ambitious mission: to revolutionize manufacturing. Much like other 3D printing companies, Markforged aims to make manufacturing more efficient by cutting costs (up to 95%), reducing lead times, and enabling full part customization.
Part of the IPO transaction includes a $210 million private investment in public equity from asset management firm Baron Capital Group. Additionally, existing shareholders, M12 and Porsche Automobile Holding SE, have reaffirmed their commitments to Markforged.
The SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company) merger leading to Markforged’s public listing aligns with a trend seen among several companies this year. Going public via SPAC is a path chosen by companies seeking to accelerate growth and expand their market presence.
Markforged FX20 Printer
Markforged continues to innovate in the 3D printing space with the introduction of the FX20 printer. While the company has not revealed extensive details about this new machine, here’s what we know so far:
The FX20 is part of Markforged’s lineup of continuous fiber offerings. It is positioned as the largest, fastest, and most sophisticated 3D printer in the Markforged portfolio. What sets this printer apart is its integration with the ‘Digital Forge,’ Markforged’s cloud-based AI printer management ecosystem. This integration promises the ability to 3D print high-temperature thermoplastics with continuous fiber reinforcement at the push of a button.
Markforged’s FX20 might remind you of the Desktop Metal Fiber printer, although it’s worth noting that the latter faced challenges in its journey. High-temperature 3D printing, using materials like PEEK and ULTEM, has been an aspiration for many 3D printing companies. However, it’s a complex endeavor, requiring substantial dedication, research, and development.
The FX20 is expected to be available for global shipping in the first half of 2022, making it an intriguing addition to the industrial 3D printing landscape. If you can’t wait for the FX20 or have different 3D printing needs, consider exploring the solutions on our website, which specializes in high-temperature industrial 3D printing.
Markforged’s proprietary systems have been praised for their ease of use and consistency in producing clean, relatively strong XY-axis parts. However, they are known for their premium pricing. This raises an interesting question: What’s your preference—proprietary systems that offer convenience or open material systems that allow you to dive into the nitty-gritty settings for a more hands-on approach? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Patent Lawsuit: Continuous Composites vs. Markforged
In the realm of 3D printing, patent disputes are not uncommon. Markforged has found itself at the center of a patent lawsuit brought by Continuous Composites Inc., a company based in Idaho. The lawsuit revolves around allegations of patent infringement, specifically targeting four patents related to both processes and hardware claims. These patents were originally registered in 2012, a year before Markforged’s inception.
Continuous Composites Inc. alleges that Markforged’s four continuous fiber 3D printers—the Mark II, Onyx Pro, X5, and X7—infringe upon their patented technology. Continuous fiber is a critical component for the functionality of these Markforged machines. In response, Continuous Composites Inc. seeks monetary compensation for the alleged patent infringement. Additionally, they are pursuing an injunction to prevent Markforged from further exploiting the intellectual property protected by the patent.
The world of patents can be intricate, and opinions on such matters vary widely. Do you think patents should be enforced to this extent? Should patent holders be actively using their patents or face potential consequences? It’s a complex issue, and your insights are valuable. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For those interested in functional 3D printing, high-temperature materials, and robust composite parts, we invite you to explore our website or reach out to us. We specialize in industrial 3D printing solutions and can assist you in finding the right fit for your application.
If you’ve found this content informative and wish to see more, please show your support by hitting the like button. We appreciate your feedback, and if you want to stay updated with our content, don’t forget to subscribe. Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to sharing more insights with you in future videos.