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Carbon Fiber 3D Printers

Mark One by MarkForged is the World's First Carbon Fiber Printer

— February 2, 2014 — Art & Design
Gregory Mark of MarkForged recently created and designed the world's first carbon fiber 3D printer called the Mark One.

The revolutionary printer is designed to print composite materials, allowing users to print parts, fixtures and tools with an even higher strength. The 3D printer uses a technology called composite filament fabrication that allows the printing of parts that are stronger than CNC machined aluminum and 20 times stiffer than ABS.

As well as printing in carbon fiber, the aluminum uni-body construction can also print in other materials including fiber glass, nylon and polylactide (PLA). "We took the idea of 3D printing, that process of laying things down strand by strand, and we used it as a manufacturing process to make composite parts. We say it's like regular 3D printers do the form. We do form and function," said Mark of MarkForged on the inspiration of the Mark One.
Trend Themes
1. Composite Filament Fabrication - The use of composite filament fabrication technology enables the printing of stronger parts than CNC machined aluminum and ABS, presenting an opportunity for disruptive innovation in manufacturing.
2. Carbon Fiber Printing - The development of carbon fiber 3D printing opens up possibilities for printing high-strength parts, fixtures, and tools, offering disruptive innovation opportunities in various industries.
3. Multi-material Printing - The ability to print in various materials, such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, nylon, and polylactide (PLA), paves the way for disruptive innovation in diverse sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods.
Industry Implications
1. Manufacturing - The use of composite filament fabrication technology in 3D printing presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the manufacturing industry by enabling the production of stronger parts.
2. Aerospace - Carbon fiber 3D printing offers disruptive innovation opportunities in the aerospace industry, allowing for the production of lightweight and high-strength components.
3. Automotive - The development of carbon fiber 3D printing opens up disruptive innovation opportunities in the automotive industry by enabling the production of lightweight and durable parts.
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