Formlabs recently made an exciting announcement about their acquisition of the 3D printing startup, Micronics. This Wisconsin-based company, founded by Henry Chan and Luke Boppart in 2021, has caught the attention of the industry with its innovative approach to making industrial printing technology more accessible.
The acquisition of Micronics by Formlabs is significant as it brings together two companies with a shared goal of democratizing the world of 3D printing. Formlabs, originally a spinout from MIT, focused on lowering the barrier to entry for SLA printing. On the other hand, Micronics emerged from the efforts of recent graduates who were passionate about making industrial printing technology more widely available.
SLA (stereolithography) and SLS (selective laser sintering) are two key technologies in the 3D printing world. SLA, known for its high-resolution prints, has been Formlabs’ area of expertise, particularly in the dental industry. SLS, which utilizes high-powered lasers to create prints, is valued for its strength and speed, with applications in healthcare such as orthotics and prosthetics.
Formlabs had previously introduced the Fuse 1 printer to venture into the SLS territory, but the technology still came with a high price tag. With the addition of Micronics to the Formlabs family, there is hope for further advancements in making SLS technology more affordable and accessible to a wider range of users.
The collaboration between Formlabs and Micronics is a testament to the potential of innovative ideas and strategic partnerships in the 3D printing industry. The two companies share a vision of pushing the boundaries of what is possible with 3D printing technology, and their combined efforts are expected to lead to exciting developments in the field.
Micronics, despite being a small two-man operation, has already made a significant impact, raising funds through a successful Kickstarter campaign. The rapid progress and achievements of Micronics caught the attention of Formlabs, leading to the swift acquisition and integration of the startup into the larger company.
The future of the Fuse line, following the acquisition of Micronics, holds promise for further advancements in SLS technology. The collaboration between the two companies is set to pave the way for more affordable and accessible SLS systems, opening up new possibilities for users across various industries.
The speed at which the acquisition took place, with Formlabs and Micronics coming together within a short timeline, highlights the shared vision and alignment of goals between the two companies. The swift action and collaboration between the CEOs of Formlabs and Micronics underscore the potential for rapid progress and innovation in the 3D printing industry.
