#28 Decorporatization of 3D printing
Pawel Slusarczyk
AM-Writer.com | 3D Printing Historian | Straight Edge Analyst | AM Industry Insider
It seems to me more and more that this crisis will ultimately benefit us all. Of course, there’s still a long road ahead—plenty of stumbles, falls, and bruised elbows and knees await us. But in the end, things will turn out well. In fact, they’ll be much better. Let me explain why.
My article last week on the need to change the narrative received widespread—and positive—attention. An even greater response came from the announcement of our new project, The 3D Printing World Guide.
After publishing both, we were inundated with messages from people all over the world. Some exchanged emails with us, others reached out on LinkedIn, and I even had video calls with a few.
Everyone emphasized how my articles touched on an essential issue: the long-standing and systematic exclusion of small and medium-sized companies from the discourse on the state of the additive manufacturing industry. For years, large corporations have dominated this narrative—some established as far back as the late 1980s and early 1990s, and others more recently, elevated by venture capital or public market funding.
This communication approach has proven flawed. Almost all of these major companies are now in crisis (or no longer exist). Their ideas and visions have failed. Their strategies were overvalued and based on naive assumptions.
But I already wrote about this last week. If you missed it, I encourage you to check it out:
The response to my article has shown that I put into words what many in the AM industry have been feeling for a long time. It’s fair to say that I gave voice to collective thoughts.
I’ve spoken with many people, and what follows reflects those conversations. If you find something insightful or groundbreaking here, know that it may not be entirely my idea. I’m simply sharing conclusions drawn from countless talks and discussions.
How can we fix the AM industry?
Let’s start by stopping our reliance on the biggest players—let’s give a voice to small and medium-sized businesses.
This doesn’t have to be as difficult as it sounds. Year by year, the largest companies are shrinking. Their revenues are declining, they continue to record significant losses, lay off employees, reduce investments, and phase out entire product lines. The number of major players is dwindling. In AM, few things lose value faster than “big companies.”
Meanwhile, small and medium-sized businesses are growing. When viewed individually, comparing them to the largest players might seem absurd. But collectively, they represent a substantial force.
Perhaps it’s worth asking a different question: who’s truly the better businessman?
We already know whom stock market investors adore.
But who would you rather buy a 3D printer from or order parts from? The seasonal star that will fade as quickly as it rose, or the solid craftsman running a modest 10-person workshop steadily for 15 years?
I think many of us have been misled and have misunderstood what defines business success in AM. I used to think the same way and was wrong. We assumed that a successful company was one generating massive revenues, serving only Fortune 500 clients, raising hundreds of millions every two years, and ultimately becoming a unicorn ringing the bell on the New York Stock Exchange.
It turned out, that these businesses were never healthy. Their founders were never great businessmen. They were—only or merely—excellent fundraisers. And now, one by one, they are leaving the AM industry.
NOT RELATED RUMOR ALERT! I’ve heard Ric Fulop is already pitching his new unicorn-grade business idea to investors. His third venture after A123 Systems and Desktop Metal. But that’s just a rumor. He-said, she-said... Moving on.
Big businesses in AM are mostly unhealthy. Small and medium-sized businesses in AM are much stronger than most people realize. They’ve been overshadowed by the big players, who received all the attention.
But that’s about to change, and here’s why. This is the good thing I mentioned earlier: the lack of money levels the playing field.
Investor funding has dried up, and it’s not coming back
Just look at last year’s news on new funding rounds: $5 million, $15 million, $30 million... The days of Carbon, Desktop Metal, or Markforged raising hundreds of millions are over.
Simultaneously, big companies are running out of cash. Spending $100,000 on a promotional video for an industrial resin 3D printer that no one wants to buy because it’s overpriced is no longer sustainable.
Small businesses could only afford a few thousand dollars or euros per month on advertising, yet somehow managed to make it work. Soon, big companies will have to learn how to live on such a budgets.
When you’re laying off 100 employees and handing back factory keys to the landlord, spending $250,000 a month on advertising becomes detrimental to the company.
Now everyone will have the same budget. Now we’ll see who’s more creative and better at acquiring customers. Landing a client for $100,000 isn’t that hard—try doing it for $500.
The lack of money will mean fewer paid articles, fewer conference appearances, and humbler trade show booths. Visually, big companies will start to look like medium ones.
At that point, what will matter most is the product and customer service—the very things that have kept small and medium-sized businesses running successfully for 10-15 years. Despite never having banner ads on Portal X or being a speaker (and silver or gold sponsor) at Conference Y.
The playing field is leveling. A gradual decorporatization of the 3D printing industry is underway.
So much for the introduction. And now, without further ado...
Calling All Canadians: Submit Your Entries Now!
Last week, I shared the first announcement about our new project: The 3D Printing World Guide. The first edition, dedicated to the Polish AM industry, is just days away from release.
Given the number of submissions we've received from this Country alone (already 3) and some unnecessary controversies surrounding the ideas of President-elect Donald Trump, we've decided that the next country to be featured will be Canada.
Yesterday, I posted an invitation—here's a reminder for those who missed it. We encourage all interested companies to fill out the form available on the AM Writer website. Only 7 spots remain! Submissions are processed on a first-come, first-served basis:
Regardless of this, we are thrilled with the growing number of submissions—now nearing 30 (not including the completed Polish edition).
Once we receive your application, we’ll follow up with a request for more detailed information. Afterward, we will create three publications in three formats:
Through this initiative, we aim to showcase companies from around the globe, fostering awareness and encouraging business relationships.
领英推荐
Once you see the first edition, there will be no room for interpretation—this is something special. Stay tuned!
#7. Forward AM announced distribution partnership with RP America
Just when the Ney Year started, Forward AM closed its US office, as a part of ongoing restucturing. However last week the company announced that it partnered with RP America , which will distribute its products in North America.
READ MORE: www.voxelmatters.com
#6. Eplus3D delivered over 100 units of its super-meter metal PBF machines
Eplus3D Additive Manufacturing has announced the successful delivery of over 100 units of its super-meter metal PBF machines, with build sizes exceeding 1 meter in at least one dimension. Nearly 40 of the delivered systems – including the EP-M2050, EP-M1550, and EP-M1250 – feature all axes exceed the 1m mark. The machines have been delivered to customers around the world.
READ MORE: www.3dprintingindustry.com
#5. Creality launched Soleyin – new brand of eco filaments
Creality 3D has launched Soleyin, a new sub-brand focused on innovative, eco-friendly 3D printing filaments. Soleyin’s debut product, Ultra PLA Filament, offers features like warp-free, high-speed printing (up to 300mm/s), strong adhesion, and tangle-free spools. Designed for creators, it combines performance and sustainability, enhancing 3D printing experiences worldwide.
READ MORE: www.all3dp.com
#4. ICON plan to lay off over 25% of staff
ICON , one of the undisputed pioneers and leaders in the construction 3D printing sector, has announced plans to lay off over 100 employees this March. The Austin, Texas-based company disclosed its plans in a notice filed with the Texas Workforce Commission, in compliance with U.S. Department of Labor requirements. The layoffs, which will affect 114 employees, represent a reduction of more than one-quarter of ICON's workforce, estimated at around 400 employees.
READ MORE: www.3dprintingjournal.com
#3. Relativity Space received significant investment from Google's Eric Schmidt
Last year Relativity Space faced financial challenges but recently received a significant investment from former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. The company, which uses additive manufacturing for rockets, continues developing the Terran R for a 2026 launch. Schmidt's involvement could potentially attract further funding from entities like America’s Frontier Fund.
READ MORE: www.3dprint.com
#2. Firehawk lands $60M investment, backed by Donald Trump Jr. Among others
Firehawk Aerospace raised $60M in a Series C round led by 1789 Capital, now focusing on defense tech with Donald Trump Jr. as partner. Firehawk’s 3D-printed solid rocket fuel boosts performance and safety in hybrid engines.
READ MORE: www.3dprint.com
#1. Aspect Biosystems secured $115M in Series B funding
Aspect Biosystems secured $115 million in Series B financing, led by Dimension with contributions from Novo Nordisk and others. The funds will advance bioprinted tissue therapeutics for metabolic and endocrine diseases, expand the AI-driven bioprinting platform, and support clinical progress. Nan Li of Dimension joined Aspect’s Board of Directors.
READ MORE: www.voxelmatters.com
Summary of the most important events in the history of the 3D printing industry published last week:
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Technology Leader in Additive Manufacturing | CTO & Co-Founder at Rapid Fusion | R&D Director at EVO 3D
1 个月Read my mind !
-> Additive Manufacturing <- -> B2B Sales & Marketing <-
1 个月It's part of the journey for any innovative industry: promises of "disruption" and big profits fall short and so many investors back off, hopefully to make the industry more reliable and based on real businesses better than pitches and slideshows. We should embrace and welcome this change!
3D Metal Konsulting LLC
1 个月Took me ~2.5 years of deep work to realize what’s known as the 3D metal industry was controlled by something 7,000 miles away. And expressing this leads to suppression and censorship 100% of the time
Founder/CEO @ The Virtual Foundry, (BMD) Bound Metal Deposition, Metal 3D Printing Solutions
1 个月Great article, thank you!