Markforged’s Mark Two Boosts STS Turbo’s Kit—A Blue Collar Backers Showcase

On October 2, the Discovery Channel’s new series Blue Collar Backers spotlighted Markforged’s 3‑D printing technology. In episode 4, host and investor Ron Douglas joined forces with racing‑kit developer STS Turbo to test the company’s newest 3‑D‑printed components.

Founder Rick Squires of STS Turbo has engineered a turbo kit that captures exhaust energy to add up to 50 % horsepower to a vehicle—an improvement that rivals a $50 000 motorcycle for just a $4 000 kit. His innovation earned a General Motors Engineering Award, underscoring its industry impact.

When STS Turbo faced financial challenges, Ron saw 3‑D printing as a strategic solution. After evaluating several printers, he chose Markforged’s Mark Two, whose robust build quality and high‑strength Onyx material were perfect for the company’s precision parts.

To prove the printer’s capability, Rick and Ron printed a brake lever sample and tested its durability by striking it with a hammer in a parking lot. “It’s a game changer,” Rick said. The Mark Two’s performance convinced them to move forward with custom parts, such as a lightweight airbox printed in Onyx that delivers both strength and a polished aesthetic.

Watch the full episode on Discovery Go or iTunes to see how Markforged’s technology can transform a small business’s supply chain and boost profitability.

Curious about the Mark Two? Request a demo today and discover how it can elevate your manufacturing workflow.