Why 3DOLOGIE loves Markforged 3D Printers

When 3DOLOGIE launched in 2018, I was facing the same decision as those before me.  What products do I want to stamp my name and reputation on and represent? The Markforged product platform was my first choice, and here are a few reasons why:

1. 3D Print Continuous Carbon Fiber as strong as 6061 Aluminum. Yep. You read that correctly. Don’t believe me? Check out this video   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIoJyor54to  Markforged is the only firm in the world that prints with continuous carbon fiber, which is a game-changer in the manufacturing space.  As strong as aluminum with 40% weight reduction? Yes, please.
2. Extensive 3D Material library. For many years the two most popular 3D printed materials in use were PLA and ABS.  Unfortunately, engineers screamed for something stronger, but at a price point, their firms could afford it.  Markforged answered the call by releasing a material set that currently consists of:
   1. 3 plastics – Nylon, Onyx (chopped fiber) and Onyx FR (self-extinguishing)
   2. 4 composites – Continuous Carbon Fiber, Kevlar, Fiberglass, and High strength, high temp Fiberglass.
   3. 6 metals – 17-4 stainless steel, A2, D2, and H13 Tool Steel, Inconel 625, and Copper.
   4. Want a free composite sample? Click here.
3. Reliable & repeatable industrial printing platform. Whether you are a one-person firm or a Fortune 500 company, you have the right to a reliable 3D printer and the ability to produce repeatable parts.  Markforged delivers that capability by manufacturing their printers, materials, and even coding their software in Boston. Fewer variables in the process increase uptimes and accuracy. Who wouldn’t want a system that succeeds every single time?
4. The 3D printed surface finish looks like an injection molded part. A high-quality surface finish has been a challenge in the 3D printing industry. With layer thickness options down to 50 microns, the Markforged X7 industrial and Metal X 3D printers can create a truly “layer-less” look.
5. Superior support material removal. Historically there is always some support material or post-processing step when 3D printing a part. However, Markforged has optimized its materials and slicing software to ensure easy removal of support material and yield a superior surface finish where the support material was attached.
6. Ability to fully embed metal components. If you’ve ever struggled with 3D printed threads or 3D printed materials that you are unable to tap to add threads, struggle no more. The Markforged plastic and composite materials allow for heat-set inserts and fully embedded printing during a pause in the print. Think threaded inserts, RFID tags, magnets, and even tooling like a press brake that can bend 14-gauge steel.
7. Eiger is the software that all Markforged 3D printers use.  Also, the name of a 13,025’ mountain in the Bernese Alps. Eiger is the secret weapon of the Markforged platform.  You can organize, optimize, and reinforce prints from anywhere as the software is cloud-based.  From real-time printer monitoring to production-ready printer management, Eiger slicing software is by far the best slicing software I have seen on the market.   And the best part? Free trials are available – yep full-blown access – so you can put the software through its paces before you buy.  Want a free Eiger trial? Click here.
8. Little to no human interaction required. Nothing sucks worse than having to babysit your 3D printer. Do you worry that your print is going to fail over the weekend or even overnight? Do you worry that it will run out of material or not know that it is having an issue?   Markforged printers require the least amount of human interaction yet can produce repeatable parts at production levels. Utilities are built-in to manage material flow, track when the spool runs out but not lose a print, make in-print adjustments, and more.  Customers have even outfitted robots to optimize the print production process. Want a demo? Click here.
9. Technical Support for both user and reseller. The only thing worse than babysitting your 3D printer because you don’t trust it is having a problem with it and not being able to get support. The design and manufacturing of their products are stout and will hold up to more abuse than you realize.  And when a part breaks, if you are under a Success Plan, the part is covered, no questions asked. The support includes overnight replacement parts and delivery with full print and video instructions for replacement. I have even had an entire machine replaced with minimal fussing – will your printer manufacturer do that for you?
10. Innovation leadership. Since the first day I walked into the first Markforged offices in Boston and met Greg, David and a few others, this company has always had an engineering mindset focused on innovation.   They have developed:
    1. The world’s first carbon fiber printer – check out the Mark Two or X7 Industrial printers.
    2. The world’s first FDM Metal printer – check out the Metal X.
    3. Affordable engineering-grade materials – Markforged started with 4 materials. Today there are 13 materials with three more set to be released.
    4. Blacksmith – set for release in 2020, the world’s first closed-loop AI for 3D printing that increases part accuracy and allows for fleet learning on a global scale. Want to learn more?
    5. Strategic partnerships with Microsoft, Siemens, Porsche, and more means you get innovation across hardware, software, and industry.

 Markforged has always been about identifying structure in things where none is apparent and leveraging that viewpoint to build great products. Great products solve the problem at hand, can be implemented quickly, and function seamlessly in their intended environment. Markforged accomplishes all of that and more, and that is why 3DOLOGIE loves representing Markforged products, and you will love them too.

If you would like to learn more about Markforged printers or hear more about my experience with the Markforged machines, please email me [email protected]