Markforged delivers 3D printers to Project DIAMOnD participants in Michigan

Markforged and Automation Alley announced that the first wave of 3D printers has been delivered to manufacturers in Michigan as part of Project DIAMOnD.

Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Michigan-based Automation Alley is ready to operate the world's largest emergency network capable of manufacturing physical objects on demand!

Markforged, maker of the world's largest metal and carbon fiber additive manufacturing platform, the Digital Forge, today announced that it has delivered its first wave of 3D printers to Michigan manufacturers as part of Project DIAMOnD. Project DIAMOnD is an initiative launched by Automation Alley, Michigan's Industry 4.0 knowledge center, to improve manufacturers' flexibility and responsiveness by helping them expand their Industry 4.0 operations. More than 200 manufacturers have already received their printers and are ready to print personal protective equipment (PPE) when requested. In the meantime, they can also use the printers to produce parts critical to supplying and growing their manufacturing operations.

Project DIAMOnD will enable small and medium-sized manufacturers in Michigan to print PPE, filling a critical gap in the medical supply chain during the ongoing fight against COVID-19. Each printer is connected to a centralized, blockchain-enabled cloud powered by Automation Alley. The project is on track to become the world's largest emergency response network for printing physical objects on demand. The project will also increase supply chain resiliency and flexibility by providing participating manufacturers with the ability to print the parts they need to keep their production lines operational and flexible in the face of future disruptions. Automation Alley selected Markforged's 3D printing platform, along with Microsoft's Azure cloud technology, to achieve these goals. Project DIAMOnD is supported by a grant awarded to Automation Alley by Oakland County and Macomb County, which will allow 300 applicants to receive Markforged printers.

"There's limitless potential for 3D printing, and it's slowly unfolding in Michigan," said Tom Kelly, Executive Director and CEO of Automation Alley. "With Project DIAMOnD, Michigan manufacturers are setting an example of what's possible. We at Automation Alley are excited to lead this initiative and measure its impact on the production of healthcare equipment and other supply chain critical parts across a variety of industries."

A variety of Michigan manufacturers have applied to participate in Project DIAMOnD, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. Participants include HERCO Group, a provider of die casting molds and equipment solutions; Accufacture, an automation manufacturing company; and Custom Valve Concepts (CVC), a manufacturer of fluid and gas products for brands such as Nestlé, GE, Citgo, and PepsiCo.

“Additive manufacturing has always been a topic of conversation for us,” says Michael Tor, Associate Engineer at CVC. “After receiving this grant and speaking with Markforged, our eyes were opened.” The company plans to use the printer to support local workers who need access to PPE, as well as tools and fixtures. “I used to see these amazing stories on the local news where everyday people, not necessarily engineers, were helping out. Now we can do the same. This project provides Custom Valve Concepts with the opportunity to use its skills to help people in our community and has helped further our goal of bringing additive manufacturing into the company,” says Tor.

"Project DIAMOnD and the participating manufacturers are bringing the true promise of the Digital Forge to life," says Michael Kelly, Director of Print System Engineering at Markforged. "Traditionally, governments have maintained dedicated networks for distributing information and supplies during emergencies, but this will be the first response network capable of actually producing tangible parts and objects on demand. From printing PPE to enabling the resilience of mass supply chains, this initiative demonstrates the power of a cloud-connected, digital 3D printing network. We hope that through our contributions, manufacturers will find unique, effective ways to contribute to COVID-19 relief efforts and continue to innovate with our printers for years to come."