Reflecting on 2020: Resilience, Innovation, and Additive Manufacturing Milestones

2020 did not unfold as many of us had imagined. Amid bushfires, a global pandemic, and an unprecedented economic shock, the year tested our agility and collective resolve. Yet it also illuminated the extraordinary capacity of people and technology to adapt, collaborate, and innovate under pressure.

Supporting Frontline Workers with 3D‑Printed PPE

In early January, the World Health Organization flagged a novel coronavirus in Asia. By mid‑March, stay‑at‑home orders were in place across the United States. The urgent demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) led Markforged to design a 3‑D‑printed face guard tailored for frontline health workers. We distributed these guards to local hospitals and released the design files for the global community. The response was overwhelming: from small startups to industry giants, customers worldwide printed PPE to support their local frontlines. Behind the scenes, our manufacturing team ensured that material spools were readily available while prioritizing safety. See our manufacturing facility tour to discover where the innovation happens.

Launches Upon Launches

2020 was a year of continuous growth. We introduced two new materials, expanded our online training platform, and rolled out software and hardware enhancements that improved print performance and user experience.

Markforged Copper, launched in early 2020, boasts >99.8% purity, exceptional thermal and electrical conductivity, and high ductility. It is ideal for applications where conductivity is critical, and offers a cost‑effective alternative to traditional manufacturing processes. During the pandemic, we accelerated the rollout of Markforged University Online, a comprehensive training program that empowers teams worldwide to master our printers at their own pace. The curriculum includes video tutorials, interactive labs, and real‑world case studies from leading customers.

We also focused on user experience: slicer and firmware updates for Metal and Composite systems, the introduction of Leak‑Resistant (Alpha) for 17‑4 PH and H13, and Exposed Infill (Alpha) for metal, which slashes wash time and boosts sintering success for thick‑cross‑section parts. Later in the year, Industrial and Metal X printers gained dislocation recovery capabilities, and we launched the Maintenance Schedule Utility to track consumable lifetimes and trigger proactive maintenance. Additionally, desktop printers now print Onyx in the purge line area, adding 20 mm (15 %) of usable space for Onyx One, Onyx Pro, and Mark Two models.

We also released Onyx ESD, a static‑dissipative variant of Onyx. By adding a precisely controlled amount of conductive filler, Onyx ESD achieves a tight surface resistance range suitable for ESD‑sensitive environments, whether used alone or reinforced with continuous fiber for maximum strength.

Incredible Applications

Our customers delivered remarkable results: Guhring UK produced an H13 tool steel milling cutter with a uniquely‑designed infill; Siemens Energy 3‑D‑printed a field‑repair tool for turbine components; Cashco Inc. reduced labor time using a Markforged X7 carbon‑fiber printer; RPG Industries replaced a vintage carburetor cap with a Metal X part; Caldwell Manufacturing integrated 3‑D printing into R&D, tooling, and post‑processing; Garry Rogers Motorsport manufactured end‑use parts such as door‑lock covers and steering‑wheel handles. From copper induction coils by Meduna to Onyx ESD testing fixtures by Columbia Elektronik, our community showcases the breadth of additive manufacturing’s impact.

We also hosted a Supply Chain webinar series featuring Dana Inc., Siemens Energy, Vestas, Würth, and Caldwell Manufacturing. Their panels highlighted how additive manufacturing solves supply‑chain challenges. Additionally, we published 100 real customer applications and “The Additive Movement has Arrived” report—an analysis of 100+ global applications across six industries. The “COVID‑19 Impact on Supply Chains: Global Additive Manufacturing Industry Report” surveyed 600+ manufacturers worldwide, offering insights into resilience during crisis.

Onwards and Upwards

2020 marked significant milestones: we became the first and only additive manufacturing platform to earn ISO/IEC 27001 certification, underscoring our commitment to data security. We entered a strategic partnership with In‑Q‑Tel, Inc. (IQT), a non‑profit investor supporting U.S. government technologies. Leadership changes saw Shai Terem promoted to President & CEO, while founder Gregory Mark transitioned to Chairman, positioning the company for continued growth.

While 2020 was challenging, it also demonstrated the power of collaboration, rapid iteration, and dedication to innovation. We look forward to 2021—ready to introduce new best‑in‑class products and deepen our partnership with customers worldwide.

Buckle up for 2021!
PS: For a look back at more “normal” years, visit our posts on 2019 and 2018.