LINK3D launches platform to connect engineers with global Additive Manufacturing services
After two years of research and development, software company LINK3D, New York, USA, has announced the launch of a secure platform that will help connect engineers to Additive Manufacturing service providers. LINK3D’s proprietary technology reportedly provides engineers with a fully automated request-for-quote (RFQ) process to identify vetted Additive Manufacturing partners from around the world. According to LINK3D, this is the largest network of AM machine and material representation available.
The 2016 edition of the Wohlers Report revealed that, for the second year in a row, the Additive Manufacturing industry has grown by more than $1 billion. LINK3D stated that this growth creates a crucial need for companies to have access to the right partners when designing and manufacturing additively made parts. The new platform aims to facilitate these connections using intelligent data-driven algorithms, with a focus on industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, consumer goods, defence and electronics.
“Our mission is to make Additive Manufacturing accessible to anyone, anywhere, at any time,” stated Shane Fox, LINK3D CEO. “We serve a diverse group of industries, focused on metal and polymer production.”
The LINK3D team is comprised of several additive experts who have built and maintained global partnerships with AM service providers in more than twenty countries. This is expected to give engineers access to over 230 unique metal and polymer materials and 154 unique machine models.
“As an engineer in the Additive Manufacturing industry, one of the biggest challenges is to find the right partners to produce your designs,” added Dr Gavi Feuer, Biomedical Engineer. “LINK3D is a truly unique tool that reduces my search time, increases my selection parameters and adds confidence to my final decision-making process regarding pricing when I choose the appropriate manufacturing partner. It is a remarkable product and long overdue.”
