Print 10x stronger parts with Markforged CFR.

Markforged is the first company to offer 3D printers capable of reinforcing parts with continuous fibers, enabling composite parts robust enough to replace machined metal. While chopped carbon fibers are able to improve the mechanical properties and print quality of FFF/FDM 3D printed thermoplastics, continuous fibers can further increase part strength by an order of magnitude.

Markforged's unique process starts with FFF printing, which forms the outer shell and infill of the part using Onyx, a thermoplastic filled with short-strand chopped carbon fibers.

A secondary nozzle is then used to inlay long-strand Continuous Fiber Reinforcement (CFR), selectively reinforcing the perimeter, select features, or entire layers of the part.

The resultant parts are an order of magnitude stronger, stiffer, and more durable than plastic (filled or not) and maintain the heat resistance, chemical resistance, and print quality of their thermoplastic matrix material.

Wärtsilä usually machines its lifting tools out of solid steel, but found the resulting tools to be too expensive, too time-intensive to manufacture, and too heavy for people to use and transport. The teams are also unable to make quick design changes when needed. Each cost and weight increase has a significant impact when scaled across hundreds of tools — especially when the tool is needed to service or perform maintenance on parts in a large commercial ship where space is limited.

Talk to a member of our team to learn more about how Wartsila and other modern manufacturers are changing the way they make strong parts with Markforged.