Nov 15, 2017 | By Julia
Forbes magazine has just unveiled the next edition of its famed 30 Under 30 Manufacturing 2018 list, the crème de la crème of young entrepreneurs and makers set to transform the world of manufacturing. In what may come as no surprise to some, 5 of those headline-grabbers hail from the rapidly-expanding field of additive manufacturing. With innovations ranging from 3D printed metal to recycled plastics to custom fit eye-wear, these startup stars are game-changers in the true sense of the term, and are ready to dominate the playing field. Let’s walk you through these 5 notable makers, and break down exactly what’s got Forbes so excited about them.
Fabric8Labs co-founders Jeff Herman (L) and David Pain
You’ve probably heard of 3D printed metal by now. Typically relying on atomized metal powders, 3D printing metal is a fast-developing industry for manufacturers around the world, yet remains in its infancy compared to other time-tested 3D printing processes. But that’s all about to change, thanks to California-based startup Fabric8Labs and its cofounders Jeff Herman, 29, and David Pain, 27. As two names on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Manufacturing 2018 list, Herman and Pain have developed the world’s first non-thermal 3D metal printer using a patented Stereo-Electrochemical Deposition (SED) process. Eliminating the need for metal powders, vacuum chambers, and lasers, the Fabric8Labs innovation can produce objects in solid metal including Copper, Nickel, Iron, CoCr, Inconel, Stainless Steel, Silver, and Gold. And because there’s no heat, SED can even print metal and plastic together in the same print — an industry first. According to the startup, it all boils down to one point: you can forget everything you knew about 3D metal printing.
Filabot founder Tyler McNaney
Filabot founder Tyler McNaney, 25, has also made the new 30 Under 30 list. As a Vermont-based startup dedicated to advancing the science of plastic extrusion for the 3D market, Filabot has been making waves in the industry since it first launched in 2012. Back then, McNaney’s main claim to fame was developing a machine that could take recycled plastic waste, such as water bottles and milk cartons, and convert it into plastic filament for 3D printers, enabling a truly sustainable system for additive manufacturing. Since then, Filabot has remained committed to the environment, expanding the business with a wide roster of machines, materials, parts and accessories, and services, all based out of its state-of-the-art Vermont facility.
Skelmet founders James Cao (L) and Rain Wang
Also featured on the 30 Under 30 list are James Cao, 25, and Rain Wang, 28, of Skelmet Inc, the Massachusetts-based producers of bespoke 3D printed eyewear. Initially launching as a modest Indiegogo campaign just earlier this year, Skelmet has since taken both the fashion and tech worlds by storm with its 3D printed sunglasses, advertised as the best-fitting in the world. While the ultra-cool sunglasses themselves are nothing to sneer at, the real innovation lies in Skelmet’s AI-powered process. Using a mobile device, Skelmet’s app 3D scans the user’s exact head and facial parameters in under 2 minutes. Then, the Boston-based intelligent design system autonomously measures, designs, and generates the perfect sunglass shape. Finally, a top-of-the-line industrial-grade SLS printer produces the ready-to-wear product. Eyeglasses and goggles are also available, although the Skelmet website warns that as popularity increases, so may wait times.
To check out the full 30 Under 30 Manufacturing and Industry 2018 list, click here.
Posted in 3D Printer Company
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Let's not forget about Dr. Karen Dubbin.
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