Markforged
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Markforged’s Digital Source Facilitates 3D Printing of Components

Sept. 27, 2023
Digital Source on-demand parts platform allows for licensing and 3D printing of manufacturer-certified parts at point of need.

Digital Source is designed to eliminate the need for physical inventory management, providing a cost-effective alternative for accessing critical components. The platform enables vendors to upload digital part designs, which can then be licensed to customers, distributors and contract manufacturers. Once uploaded, end-users of the platform gain the flexibility to license the right to print parts either onsite or through a network of approved print service providers, according to a company release.

READ MORE: DFMA Redesign Leads to Reusable Parts That Withstand the Heat

Key features of the digital source platform include:

  • Integrated 3D printing software, materials and hardware
  • End-to-end process control
  • Vendors can specify and lock printing process requirements
  • Robust security, safeguarding digital part files
  • Encrypted print instructions to protect designs.

Enhancing Manufacturing Resiliency, Efficiency

According to Jeremy Haight, principal engineer at Vestas Wind Systems A/S, Digital Source offered the agility to print spare parts where needed, so the company could get its machinery up and running faster, minimizing downtime. “Time equals a very high dollar value for us,” he says. “A line down in one of our factories is a big deal but a turbine that has gone down can cost even more.” He says if they can access and print the part needed, the turbine can be up and operational much quicker.

Impact on Supply Chain Management

Digital Source unlocks a new way of managing supply chains, according to the press release. “Every day that a manufacturing line is down due to broken or worn parts can cost millions of dollars in lost productivity,” says Shai Terem, CEO of Markforged. “Availability of spare parts is critical to manufacturers’ success, but keeping an extensive physical inventory ties up capital in parts that may go untouched for years.”

READ MORE: 5 for Friday: 3D Printing Reaches New Heights; Keeping Cool is No Sweat; Strengthening Links in the Supply Chain

About the Author

Sharon Spielman | Technical Editor, Machine Design

As Machine Design’s technical editor, Sharon Spielman produces content for the brand’s focus audience—design and multidisciplinary engineers. Her beat includes 3D printing/CAD; mechanical and motion systems, with an emphasis on pneumatics and linear motion; automation; robotics; and CNC machining.

Spielman has more than three decades of experience as a writer and editor for a range of B2B brands, including those that cover machine design; electrical design and manufacturing; interconnection technology; food and beverage manufacturing; process heating and cooling; finishing; and package converting.

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: @sharonspielman

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