A Boston-based startup has launched the first 3D printer capable of printing patterns of carbon fiber, a strong and lightweight material used in cars competition and space rockets.
The company Mark Forged has released the Mark One printer after a year of hard development and testing. A first prototype was shown at the SolidWorks World 2014 conference held in San Diego. The Mark One printed on carbon fiber, fiberglass, nylon and PLA.
The printer can also combine carbon fiber with other materials to make stronger parts. The company Mark Forged says that this printer with these functions could be effective to perform “prosthesis, custom bones, tools and accessories”.
“We say it’s like a regular 3D printer that takes the same formula. We take the idea of 3D printing, the process of putting things go layer by layer and use it as a process of manufacturing parts from composite materials”, said the company.
On the website of the company stakeholders can register for one of these printers. It is expected to go on sale in the second half of 2014 for about $5,000.