GE Ventures Invests $5.75 Million in MatterFab

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a versatile technology that uses a number of different materials to make digital designs into physical reality. While a large number of AM systems are focused on plastic materials, some of the most important developments for future usage of 3D printing revolve around metal materials.

MatterFab, an AM manufacturing startup, has gained industry attention for its work in developing a new metal 3D printer. GE Ventures has invested $5.75 million into MatterFab in hopes of producing an metal AM system that is faster, scalable and less expensive than those currently available on the market.

From the GE Ventures blog:

From aircraft parts, to oil and gas production, to healthcare tools, GE has a long-standing interest in manufacturing. Now, we’re focused on reinventing the way we work, with advanced manufacturing techniques that are driving the next industrial revolution. Additive manufacturing allows us to build precise parts and products across our industries of focus, with flexibility and scale that was previously impossible.

GE has already put its money where its mouth is in terms of AM with a number of projects and investments meant to put it at the forefront of AM technology for aviation, and oil and gas production. While other companies are still struggling to come to terms with the new technology, GE is blazing new trails.

MatterFab caught GE’s attention as a result of the quality of parts produced by the startup’s prototypes. Additionally, MatterFab’s system uses third-party apps and development tools already used in the manufacturing sector, making it easier for new customers to adapt to building and designing AM parts. Use of existing tools also frees MatterFab to concentrate on building the best AM platform possible without having to worry about software design.

While no technical specs are yet available for the system, MatterFab intends to begin full-scale production of the 3D printer later this year, with shipping to begin the following summer. Below you’ll find a video about MatterFab.

Sources: TechCrunch, GE Ventures