In an inspiring development for the intersection of technology and manufacturing, Freeform has successfully secured a robust $67 million in Series B funding. The ambition behind this financial boost is clear: to revolutionize metal component manufacturing using advanced 3D-printing technology.

Founded in 2018 by Erik Palitsch, a former SpaceX engineer, Freeform aims to address the inherent challenges faced by traditional industrial machines that produce metal parts. These machines are often expensive and complicated, limiting mass production capabilities. With the backing of notable investors such as Nvidia’s NVentures and Founders Fund, Freeform is primed for significant growth and innovation.

Central to Freeform’s operations is its current printing system, known as GoldenEye. This sophisticated system employs 18 lasers to fuse metal powders and create precision components. However, the funding will facilitate the evolution to a next-generation platform called Skyfall, which promises to amplify production capacity dramatically. Designed to utilize hundreds of lasers, Skyfall is expected to deliver thousands of kilograms of metal parts daily, significantly outpacing current capabilities.

The vision driving Freeform is to combine high throughput with maximum flexibility, thereby making the manufacturing process smoother and more efficient. At the heart of this innovative platform lies a commitment to active software controls, enabling real-time adjustments and enhancements throughout the manufacturing workflow. Palitsch emphasizes that Freeform is uniquely positioned as an “AI native” manufacturing company, notably augmented by its partnership with Nvidia. This relationship allows Freeform to harness the power of advanced GPUs to optimize its operations.

What sets Freeform apart is not just its manufacturing prowess but also its commitment to data-driven decision-making. The company employs H200 clusters in its data center, listening to the nuances of the manufacturing process and allowing for the execution of real-time physics-based simulations. These simulations grant the team insights that are critical for fine-tuning the entire manufacturing workflow. As Palitsch articulates, this elevates Freeform’s capabilities to a level where they are gathering unparalleled data on metal printing physics.

Furthermore, the strategic emphasis on data allows Freeform to continuously refine the quality and output of its production. Cameron Kay, head of talent, remarked that the insights gathered put Freeform in a unique position, boasting “more meaningful data on the physics of the metal-printing process than any company in the world.” This commitment to ongoing improvement suggests that Freeform is not just thinking about immediate production but is committed to a long-term evolutionary path in manufacturing practices.

As Freeform prepares to scale its operations, the company is not yet ready to divulge its client list. However, Palitsch has indicated that it is already fulfilling hundreds of critical mission orders. This statement reflects a confidence that suggests Freeform is making strides to establish itself as a significant player in the manufacturing landscape.

The implications of this funding round and subsequent advancements are immense, particularly for business leaders and investors keen on tapping into innovative manufacturing solutions. With Freeform’s commitment to redefining the boundaries of 3D printing technology through AI and superior data analytics, it is setting the stage for a new era in manufacturing, where production is not just faster but smarter and more precise.

As the product manufacturing industry continues to evolve, Freeform’s advancements present a compelling case for investment and partnership. For investors looking for tangible applications of AI and automation technology in manufacturing, Freeform stands out as a company capable of transforming theoretical concepts into practical, real-world solutions.