Start-up Carbon is at last ready to take orders for the M1, the first device to use its 3-D printing technology that builds objects from a pool of resin using a combination of light and oxygen.
That approach lets Carbon's printers not only create objects far faster than most rivals, but also to make parts that are better suited to real-world use. Traditional 3-D printing makes objects one line at a time, an approach that is good for making prototypes but often results in objects that aren't strong enough to be commercial products. Carbon first showed its technology at the 2015 TED conference in Vancouver.
The company also introduced seven new resins for use with the printer, including one that can withstand temperatures up to 426 degrees Fahrenheit.
Carbon — previously known as Carbon3D — decided to go with a subscription approach that includes the M1 printer, updates and a team of support staff. Businesses will have to pay $40,000 per year.
"This product lays the groundwork for addressing major gaps in additive manufacturing as we work with our customers to continually innovate and push the boundaries of product design and production," CEO Joseph DeSimone said in a statement.
Carbon has raised more than $140 million in funding from Alphabet's GV and others. Early customers include Ford, Johnson & Johnson and BMW.
Here's a video interview I did with DeSimone at TED:
And here's another video of the technology in action:
