Metafold, a pioneering provider of cloud- and API-based 3D engineering platforms, has secured $1.78m USD (c.£1.38m) in seed funding to help it advance the widespread adoption of industrial 3D printing.
Metafold says the funding will be used to tackle the prevailing geometry-related challenges that have historically hampered the mainstream adoption of 3D printing.
At the core of Metafold’s platform lies a geometry computation engine that empowers engineers to design and optimise intricate parts, ultimately bridging the gap between 3D printing hardware capabilities and available software tools.
The funding round was led by Differential Ventures, joined by Active Impact Investments, Jetstream, and Standup Ventures.
Innovation and sustainability
Metafold says its software solution addresses the issue of conventional desktop computer-aided design (CAD) and engineering (CAE) software not being developed with 3D printing in mind.
The firm’s “ultraprecise and lightning-fast” geometry computation engine – which operates on the cloud as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution – outputs precise designs tailored for 3D printing complex parts.
As a result of this geometry support, Metafold says it is able to enable manufacturers to use less raw material and produce lighter, more energy-efficient parts, thereby assisting them in achieving their sustainability objectives.
‘Extraordinary’ methodology
Commenting on the future implications of the funding, Dr. Elissa Ross, a mathematician and co-founder and CEO of Metafold, said: “Sustainability in manufacturing is ultimately driven by two factors: improving the material consumption of existing fabrication methods and designing for optimality over the lifetime use of manufactured goods.
“3D printing achieves those goals and has the potential to be even more impactful with the right digital infrastructure.
“We’re excited to be backed by investors who recognise both the commercial and climate benefits of scaling this extraordinary manufacturing methodology.”
Image: (L-R) Metafold founders Tom Reslinski, Elissa Ross, and Daniel Hambleton. Credit: Metafold
Read next: HP launches robotic SitePrint solution in North America and UK and Ireland
Are you a building professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.