Startup company MatterFab is said to be developing a new kind of 3D metal printer. We spoke with CEO Matt Burris to find out more.
Fabbaloo: What market are you addressing? Consumer or industrial? Or both? If both, what challenges must you overcome to develop a machine that can hit both?
Matt Burris: By dropping the cost of the high end metal 3D printers we can democratize access to 3D metal printing. Paper printing used to be limited to large printing presses that were very expensive and difficult to run. Xerox completely changed the game by making the power of the printing press affordable and accessible to every business. We want to give every business the power of 3D metal printing, and through companies like Shapeways, we can give everyone in the world access to metal 3D printing. The explosion of innovation as we democratize access to metal 3D printing will be a game changer for both industry and individuals.
Fabbaloo: Do you have a timetable for release of the machine? Target price range?
Matt Burris: We will be delivering printers to our test partners in early 2015. Feedback from our partners we will be used to refine the system for a release toward the end of 2015. We are planning on selling systems for an order of magnitude lower price than the current high end systems on the market, which start at well over $1 million, while delivering the same quality parts and working with the same materials.
Fabbaloo: It appears that you’re using the metal powder/laser approach. We’re wondering if you are clear of patents held by others that may have similar technology?
Matt Burris: The MatterFab process is based on Selective Metal Welding, which uses lasers to selectively melt metal powder to weld up nearly anything layer by layer. Our approach to metal 3D printing is quite different than other techniques and provides a unique freedom that allows us to start solving some of the biggest challenges withRead More at Fabbaloo
metal 3D printing and turn 3D metal printing from an art to a science.