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Mantle secures $20 million in Series C funding to expand its precision metal 3D printing technology, aimed at reducing costs and speeding up development cycles for manufacturers. The funding will support Mantle’s market expansion and technological advancements, addressing critical labor shortages and reshoring efforts in the U.S. manufacturing sector. Case studies from companies like Heyco Products and General Pattern demonstrate significant improvements in efficiency and reduced lead times using Mantle’s technology.
A Major Milestone in Metal 3D Printing
Mantle, a leading player in the metal 3D printing industry, has achieved a significant milestone by securing $20 million in Series C funding. This investment, which raises the company’s total funding to over $61.5 million, is set to advance Mantle’s precision metal additive manufacturing technology. Key investors in this round include Schooner Capital, Fine Structure Ventures, Foundation Capital, Corazon Capital, 11.2 Capital, and Build Collective. This funding will play a crucial role in expanding Mantle’s market presence and enhancing its technological capabilities.
Funding Fuels Expansion and Innovation
The recent infusion of $20 million will be critical in supporting Mantle’s rapid market expansion. Mantle plans to scale its manufacturing operations to meet the increasing demand for its innovative 3D printing solutions. The funding will also drive the development of new capabilities and materials, ensuring that Mantle stays at the forefront of metal 3D printing technology. This strategic expansion is aimed at delivering more efficient and cost-effective solutions to manufacturers facing various production challenges.
The Technology Behind Mantle’s Success
Mantle’s success is rooted in its advanced TrueShape technology, a groundbreaking innovation in the metal 3D printing industry. TrueShape technology offers unmatched precision and speed, cutting costs by over 65% and reducing development cycles by up to 90%. This technology enables the production of high-quality molds and dies with exceptional surface finish and metal properties. Alexandra Manick from Schooner Capital emphasizes that TrueShape is a paradigm-shifting solution that meets the urgent needs of industrial toolmakers and OEMs.
Reshoring Manufacturing: A Strategic Shift
The movement towards reshoring manufacturing back to the United States has highlighted the need for innovative solutions to address labor shortages and reduce production costs. American manufacturers are increasingly adopting Mantle’s metal 3D printing technology to overcome these challenges. CEO Ted Sorom points out that the fragile state of the global supply chain and the shrinking toolmaking workforce have driven manufacturers to seek out Mantle’s technology. By adopting Mantle’s tooling solutions, companies can enhance labor productivity, cut expenses, and drastically shorten lead times, making reshoring a more viable and efficient option.
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Case Studies: Real-World Applications
Heyco Products, a U.S.-based manufacturer of wire protection products and electrical components, successfully implemented Mantle’s technology for in-house molding and toolmaking. This allowed Heyco to reduce time-to-market for new products and increase toolroom efficiency. By using Mantle’s 3D printing technology, Heyco brought a new product to market two months faster and significantly boosted toolmaker productivity.
General Pattern, a fourth-generation, woman-owned custom manufacturer, utilized Mantle’s technology to enhance its plastic forming operations. By adopting Mantle’s advanced 3D printing, General Pattern reduced the lead time by 3.5 weeks and minimized active toolmaker time to just four hours. This not only cut costs but also allowed the company to maintain its competitive edge and adapt to increasing industry demands.
Addressing the Skilled Labor Shortage
The toolmaking industry faces a severe labor shortage due to an aging workforce and rising demand for precision tools. Mantle’s technology offers a solution by automating the production process, reducing the reliance on skilled labor. Danny Anthony from Heyco Products highlights that using Mantle’s system has made their toolroom more efficient and attracted next-generation talent. This technology provides toolmakers with advanced tools, making them more productive and addressing the industry’s labor challenges.
Precision and Efficiency: Key Differentiators
Mantle’s metal 3D printing technology stands out for its precision and efficiency. The TrueShape process delivers high-quality, accurate molds and dies with excellent surface finishes. Traditional metal 3D printing methods often fall short in producing injection mold tools, but Mantle’s technology excels in this application. By automating tool production, Mantle reduces dependence on skilled labor, which is scarce, and ensures consistent quality in toolmaking.
Positioned for Growth in a Changing Industry
Following a year of significant growth in shipments, Mantle is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for precision metal 3D printing. The company’s focus on printing tools for mass production has proven effective in addressing the high costs and lengthy production times associated with traditional toolmaking methods. Mantle’s technology has been instrumental in producing millions of end-use parts, ranging from medical devices to industrial components, showcasing its versatility and impact on the manufacturing sector.
Implications for the Future of Manufacturing
Mantle’s advancements in metal 3D printing technology have far-reaching implications for the manufacturing industry. The ability to produce high-quality tools quickly and cost-effectively can lead to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and the potential for reshoring manufacturing operations. By addressing critical challenges in the toolmaking process, Mantle’s technology not only enhances productivity but also supports the broader goal of revitalizing the U.S. manufacturing sector. As Mantle continues to innovate and expand, its impact on the industry is likely to grow, paving the way for more agile and efficient manufacturing practices.
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