3D Printing Startups
This revolutionary manufacturing process allows startups to create fast, affordable prototypes to attract investors and set ideas in motion. Here are 10 startups blazing the 3D printing trail.
Natural Machines
Foodini connects to the internet and has a built-in touch screen that allows users to choose recipes. Once the recipe is chosen, Foodini will instruct what food to put in each capsule, and then the printing begins. While Foodini is not available to the public yet, you can sign up for email notifications about the company's progress.
SOLS
SOLS has teamed up with RYKA to design a custom fit insole for the RykaFit Professional, and they hope to work with even more companies in the future to collaborate and create custom insoles for customers using their MAPP3D technology. Interested customers can sign up for exclusive access to the company's private beta.
Banneya London
Banneya says it is creating the "retailer of the future" with its digital modeling technology because it allows designers to create unique jewelry pieces made to order for each customer. All pieces can be customized and feature design elements that are impossible to create with traditional fabrication methods.
Food Ink
The restaurants are in the pop-up stage, and had been solely in Europe until this year. They are planning a world tour, with major cities in the U.S. making the list. The dates haven't been announced yet, but you can be sure the experience will be worth the wait.
Makies
As the company relocates its manufacturing process to the U.S., online orders are temporarily suspended, but when it's back up and running, customers can name their dolls, pick out their clothes, and any unique features that are desired. The company advises checking its website or contacting its customer service department to find out when Makies will be available again.
Organovo
Materials printed at Organovo help researchers study diseases and allow them to test the effects of drugs on human tissue without putting anyone at risk. The company is also working on printing materials – like liver tissue – that can be used to medical implants or replacements.
Pirate 3D
After a Kickstarter campaign that raised nearly $1.5M, the company recently launched its Buccaneer desktop printer, which makes it easy for first-timers to print their first 3D project. With the Windows, Android or iOS app, users can print objects wirelessly via their home WiFi network.
Spuni
To make their Spuni dreams come true, the product's creators used 3D printing to design and perfect a prototype that they could test on hungry babies. After a successful Indiegogo campaign in 2016, the company raised enough money to produce its first round of spoons, which can be ordered online and shipped to your doorstep.
XJet
The company's vision is to revolutionize the manufacturing industry by replacing the current methods of printing metal parts, bringing more cost-effective components to the market. XJet first released its "Nanoparticle Jetting" technology in May 2016.
Shapeways
From sterling silver jewelry to the world's tiniest Rubik's cube, Shapeways has a host of beautiful- and weird- items for sale. When you order something from a shop, Shapeways prints it, ships it and compensates the shop owner.
This modern marketplace is popular with 3D enthusiasts all over the world and provides a great platform for designers that want to create innovative products or prototypes without spending all their money on manufacturing.
Additional reporting by Elizabeth Peterson and Adam C. Uzialko.