3HTi Signs Deal with MarkForged to Sell the Mark One 3D Printer

The Mark One 3D printer from MarkForged caused a bit of a sensation last January when it was announced that it could extrude continuous fiber using the FFF process.

The Mark One 3D printer, featuring  a build volume of 320 x 132 x 160 mm, can print using carbon fiber, Kevlar, fiberglass, and nylon, and in doing so creates very strong parts.

Now 3 HTi has announced they’ll be offering, through a partnership with the Cambridge, MA-based MarkForged, the Mark One 3D printer as one of the first companies authorized to sell the revolutionary technology.

3 HTi is a technology solutions provider for manufacturers; their solutions range from personal productivity to enterprise management for the design, analysis, prototyping, production manufacturing, and servicing of discretely manufactured products. 3 HTi serves as an authorized reseller of PTC Software and complementary solutions like Arbortext, Creo, Mathcad, Relex, and Windchill.

“We understand that the success of the Mark One lies in a strong reseller channel. 3 HTi embodies the kind of structure, focus and responsiveness we are looking for in our partners,” says Matt Katzman, Director of Sales at MarkForged. “They will get the word out about the Mark One to the customer base we are looking to reach.”

3D printed composite parts created via the unique process of the Mark One are, says MarkForged, up to 5 times stronger and 20 times stiffer than parts 3D printed using ABS alone. By selectively placing continuous fiber reinforcement inside nylon parts, the Mark One allows for not only material cost containment, but also forgoes traditional composite part lay-up processes requiring trimming, mold-making, and curing.

“I’ve worked closely with 3D printers for many years now, and to see the high quality output of a functional product that needs no post-processing is truly amazing. We’re very excited to offer the Mark One’s leading edge technology to our customers,” says Garry Hoffman, Principal for 3 HTi.

Founded by CEO Greg Mark, an MIT aerospace engineer, MarkForged came about after Mark spent years designing and manufacturing high-performance, composite race car wings at Aeromotions. With the goal to automate the composite lay-up process via the use of 3D printing harware, Mark formed his company with a team of like-minded individuals.

“Plastic is great for testing fit and form, but adding carbon fiber, you can now test for function and actually use the part,” Mark said. “The Mark One gives the ability to design, build and iterate in a very short design cycle so you can bring products to market faster than ever before.”

The Mark One printer can be pre-ordered for $5,499, with those orders to be fulfilled in 10 to 12 weeks. This initial production run of the devices is expected to sell out quickly — though high levels of interest in this cutting-edge technology ensure ongoing development and production.

You’ll also be able to see the Mark One in action via a live online demonstration webinar every Monday at 2:00 PM EST, complete with a look at the company’s proprietary Eiger software in action and a Q&A session. Registration is required, and space is limited for each week’s webinar.

Have you ever seen a Mark One 3D Printer at work? Can you see yourself buying one of these innovative printers? Let us know in the 3HTi Signs Deal With Markforged forum thread on 3DPB.com.