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The global 3D printing industry continues to experience explosive growth, with innovative companies offering solutions that disrupt and transform traditional business models and production methods. San Francisco, a city renown for its tech-induced dynamism, is home to a number of these pioneering firms. This article shines the spotlight on some of these companies, their founders, what they do and how they are leveraging 3D printing technology to create value in various industries.
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a transformative approach to industrial production that enables the creation of lighter, stronger parts and systems. It is a significant trend in manufacturing, having applications in industries as diverse as aerospace, healthcare, automotive and fashion. What makes this technology ground-breaking is how it flips current production methods; Instead of manufacturing items by cutting away excess material, 3D printing builds them layer by layer.
In San Francisco, this inventive approach is being used to solve complex issues across various industries. For instance, companies are leveraging 3D printing to produce high precision, custom mechanical parts for various applications, build tissues for drug development and organ transplantation, and develop new materials for mass production tasks. Let’s have a close look at these San Francisco-based 3D printing companies that are at the forefront of this technological revolution.
Fictiv
Fictiv, a Digital Manufacturing Ecosystem, was founded in 2013 by Dave Evans and Nathan Evans. Fictiv uses its digital platform and a global partner network to deliver custom mechanical parts at an impressive speed. Over the last six years, it has manufactured more than 12 million parts for a range of companies, from startups to large enterprises, aiding them in innovation while ensuring supply chain predictability. Connect with them on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Prellis Biologics
Founded by Melanie Matheu and Noelle Mullin in 2016, Prellis Biologics focuses on building human tissues for drug development and organ transplantation. Their innovative bioprinting technology makes big strides in print speed and resolution, breaking the barrier in microvasculature. Follow them on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Mantle
Mantle, founded by James R. Groves, Stephen Connor, and Ted Sorom, is an engineering and manufacturing firm. The company’s metal 3D printing technology is used to manufacture high-resolution parts that meet the critical needs of various applications. Follow Mantle on LinkedIn and Twitter.
UNYQ
3D Printing meets fashion in this innovative company founded by Eythor Bender and Manuel Boza. UNYQ is reimagining orthopedic devices via 3D printing and brings personalization to the healthcare industry. Their products range from prosthetic covers to braces for scoliosis. Follow them on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Origin
Origin, founded by Chris Prucha and Joel Ong, enables mass production of commercial-quality products using additive 3D manufacturing with their open materials network, extensible software, and modular hardware. Connect with them on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Gantri
Gantri is an online marketplace for premium design products. Founded by Ian Yang, Gantri uses 3D printing to manufacture products on-demand, empowering designers and giving design lovers access to amazing original designs.
Wazer
Wazer, founded by Matt Nowicki and Nisan Lerea, brings waterjet cutters to small businesses and individuals. Their technology cuts through any material, creating professional-grade fabrication. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Seriforge
Founded by Jon Hollander, Seriforge is revolutionizing the carbon fiber fabrication sector via automation for mass production applications. Their technology builds complex carbon fiber parts directly from CAD models.
ONO 3D
ONO 3D, founded by Filippo Moroni and Pietro Gabriele, offers multi-material 3D printing from a smartphone for just $99. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Construction Automation, Inc
Construction Automation provides 3D printing and robotics services for the construction industry. The company, founded by Tony Capasso, is a perfect example of how 3D printing allows us to rethink how we build the physical world around us.
Schematic Ventures
Schematic Ventures, founded by Julian Counihan, is an early-stage venture capital fund focused on investments in technology companies within supply chains, manufacturing and digital industrial sectors. Connect with them on LinkedIn and Twitter.
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