More Than 300 Tarkett Employees Volunteer During National Sales Meeting

SOLON, Ohio— January 16, 2019 — Tarkett announced its North American sales and marketing teams donated their time during their 2019 Sales Meeting to work with three Orlando, Fla.-based non-profit organizations. This volunteer effort was made possible through Tarkett Cares, a key component of the company’s corporate social responsibility program.

More than 300 Tarkett employees had the opportunity to work with one of three Orlando area non-profit organizations on January 16, 2019, assisting in the preparation of items to support the agencies’ programs. The company-sponsored community service program provided assistance to the following agencies:

  • Sleep in Heavenly Peace: Employees built bunk beds for children in need.
  • A Gift for Teaching: Employees assembled school supply bags for children who cannot afford to purchase them.
  • Soldiers Angels: Employees assembled hygiene kits and lunch boxes and made blankets for soldiers and veterans.

In total, Tarkett volunteers completed the assembly of 225 food boxes, 350 hygiene kits, 50 blankets, 40 bunk beds and 400 school supply backpacks.

“Because of your recent participation in our Kits For Kids program, you provided students with 3,600 supplies worth more than $4,200. This means 400 more students don’t have to go without a pencil or some of the other basic supplies needed each day,” stated Angela L. Garcia, assistant director of Community Outreach for A Gift For Teaching.

In the words of an Orange County teacher, “The supplies help so many kids who might go without, and helps me to create more engaging projects for my students, which I would otherwise be unable to do due to lack of money for supplies.”

“Tarkett is committed to corporate social responsibility, and our North America team takes that commitment to heart,” said Jeff Fenwick, COO, Tarkett North America. “We’re pleased to be able to share our time and talents to help improve the quality of life for families in the Orlando area. This is our way of saying thank you and honoring the city for the hospitality we’ve been shown during our 2019 Tarkett North America sales meeting.”

Posted January 18, 2019

Source: Tarkett

CARBIOS, TWB Receive 7.5 Million Euros In Funding To Accelerate The Industrialization Of PET Plastics And Fiber Biorecycling

CLERMONT-FERRAND, France — January 17, 2019 — CARBIOS, a company in the field of bioplasturgy, and Toulouse White Biotechnology (TWB) announces today 7.5 million euros of funding from the Investments for the Future Program operated by ADEME to support, over a period of 39 months, the scale-up of the company’s industrial and commercial PET plastics and fibers biorecycling project.

PET is one of the most common polymers on the market. It is used to make everyday consumer goods such as bottles, packaging and fibers especially for clothing. 70 million tons of PET are produced each year from fossil resources1. Since 2012, CARBIOS develops a world pioneering process enabling to produce new virgin plastics from waste plastics according to circular economy principles.

The 7.5 million euros in funding has been granted by the General Secretariat for Investments (SGPI) as part of the Investments for the Future Program operated by ADEME for circular economy projects. This funding, which comes in the form of grants and conditional advances, will be paid in several instalments over the period of this CE-PET project2 and includes a first payment of 15 percent.

CARBIOS, coordinator and lead manager of the project, will oversee the acceleration of the industrialization of its PET plastics and fibers technology, and will be able to receive up to 4.1 million euros.

Jean-Claude Lumaret, CEO of CARBIOS commented: “We would like to thank the French environment and energy management agency for its renewed confidence in the innovations developed by CARBIOS. This funding represents an important step that will allow us to accelerate the industrialization of our technology.”

For Pierre Monsan, founder of TWB, said: “We are very proud of the scientific milestones achieved through this collaboration between CARBIOS and TWB. Our partnership has led to the emergence of new sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to the management of plastics lifecycle. This funding highlights the commitment of French public authorities to make possible the industrial development of innovative processes that can become key alternatives to conventional chemistry.”

CARBIOS is a green chemistry company whose innovations provide solutions to the environmental and sustainable development issues that manufacturers currently face. Since its founding in 2011, the company has developed two industrial-scale biological processes for the biological breakdown and recycling of polymers. These unique innovations help optimise the performance and life cycle of plastics and textiles by capitalizing on the properties of specially selected enzymes. CARBIOS’s economic growth model is based on the industrial roll-out and sale of its products, enzymes, technologies and biological processes through direct licence agreements or joint ventures, to major players in the fields to whom they would most benefit. To that end, CARBIOS founded the joint venture CARIOLICE in 2016, in partnership with Limagrain Céréales Ingrédients and the fund SPI, run by Bpifrance. This company, in which CARBIOS holds a controlling share, will market the first technology licensed by CARBIOS by producing enzyme pellets used in the production of biodegradable and bio-sourced plastics. Since its founding, CARBIOS has been backed by Truffle Capital, a European investment capital player. CARBIOS qualifies as an “Innovative Company” according to Bpifrance, which makes the company’s shares eligible for inclusion in innovation-focused mutual funds (FCPIs).

1 Source: IHS Markit IN 2018

2 Circular Economy PET Project

Posted January 18, 2019

Source: CARBIOS

Durst Targets More Converters With Tau 330 RSC E Launch

BRIXEN, Italy — January 18, 2019 — Durst, manufacturer of advanced digital printing and production technologies, has launched the Tau 330 RSC E UV inkjet single-pass press that will bring affordable digital production to increasing numbers of converters.

Specifically targeted at small and medium converters in the mid-tier market, the budget-priced new model — prices start from 350,000 euros — will be field upgradable to the full Durst Tau RSC high-speed press at full 8 colors and 78 linear meters per minute (245 feet per minute).

In line with Durst’s “Configure Your Digital Future” theme, the press is available in 330 millimeter (mm) and 244 mm print widths, offering 4 colors or 4 colors and white option in full-speed mode. The Tau RSC E benefits from Durst’s state-of-the-art RSC technology. Its native resolution of 1,200 x 1,200 dpi combined with its smallest drop size of 2 pl provides photo-like quality.

Production capability of 1,020 square meters per hour is achievable with a printing speed of 52 meters per minute at full color including white. High pigmented inks reduce ink consumption by up to 20 percen per square meter, optimizing running costs to the lowest possible level.

All options from the Tau 330 RSC can be fitted to the new model, which include the chill roller, variable data printing or the external jumbo winders. The new machine runs at 52 linear meters per minute and can have up to 8 color stations (CMYK-W-OVG). Fast, efficient, powerful and easy-to-use prepress Durst Workflow Label software is also offered.

Helmuth Munter, Segment Manager, Durst Label & Packaging Printing, said: “During the development of the Dust Tau 330 RSC E, a special focus was dedicated to the upgradeability and flexibility of the press. This is an important addition to the Durst Tau RSC family of variable, versatile, adjustable and configurable machine systems. Affordable digital label printing is now available to increasing numbers of converters and printers. We’re incredibly excited at the new opportunities that the new and budget-priced model will open up for increasing numbers of converters. Digital UV inkjet label printing is definitely here.”

Posted January 18, 2019

Source: Durst

KARL MAYER’s New Warp Knitting Machine TM WEFT Is Launched Successfully In China

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — January 18, 2019 — A well attended in-house event was held in Changzhou from January 15-18, 2019, to launch KARL MAYER’s new warp knitting machine with weft insertion.

Karl Mayer has developed a new warp knitting machine with weft insertion, the TM WEFT, and successfully launched this new machine at an in-house show held at its Chinese subsidiary in Changzhou. Representatives from more than ten companies came every day between 15 and 18 January 2019 to attend the machine presentation, and these included knitters and weavers, as well as finishers interested in moving into textile production. The guests traveled from all over China, mainly from Jiangsu and Zheijiang, as well as from Shandong and Hebei. They were all impressed by the cost:benefit ratio of the machines on show. Two models of the TM WEFT, 247″, E 24, were being demonstrated, both producing an interlining, i.e. a traditional fabric with one guide bar and a version having a higher drapability for special applications with two guide bars.

Both machines were running at an impressive level of stability and at a high speed of 1,500 meters per minute. The entire concept was extremely well received. The feedback according to Hagen Lotzmann was that: “Our customers were impressed by our focus on the functions, easy operation and reliability of the TM WEFT.” Together with Steffen Trabers from ILLIES China, the company’s agent in the region, the Sales Manager of Karl Mayer Technische Textilien had many conversations relating to specific projects. The first machines have already been sold and further orders are expected over the next few months.

With its features and conceptual direction, the TM WEFT, as a basic model, is designed to complement the existing WEFTTRONIC® II HKS, which will continue to be available for the high-end market. Karl Mayer is thus extending its tried-and-tested two product line strategy in its Technical Textiles Business Unit.

Posted January 18, 2019

Source: KARL MAYER Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH

Sensient® Launches Latest Elvajet® Opal Ink

MORGES, Switzerland — January 18, 2019 — Sensient Imaging Technologies, a subsidiary of Sensient Technologies Corp., announced today the launch of a new range of high performance digital dye sublimation inks for low-viscosity Epson® printheads, ElvaJet® Opal SB inks. Following the extensive success of ElvaJet Opal SC inks for mid- viscosity printheads, ElvaJet Opal SB ink addresses the needs of low viscosity printheads, and allows customers of wide format printers to benefit from the revolutionary technology. ElvaJet Opal SB ink fulfils the need for a plug and print solution in this market. ElvaJet Opal SB ink is also certified for Eco Passport for OEKO-TEX®, epitomising Sensient’s commitment to sustainability and responsible use of chemicals in the supply chain.

When Sensient launched ElvaJet Opal SC ink in January 2018, this pioneering ink gave users unparalleled benefits in terms of color, sharpness, and superior release from coated and uncoated transfer papers as low as 18 gsm in weight. With ElvaJet Opal SB ink, Sensient re- sets the standard for sublimation printing in wide format systems. ElvaJet Opal SB ink defines ease of use with simple start-up, minimal maintenance, and maximized printing up time with further unique benefits for users.

“Users of wide format and industrial printers in the same print shop can now reproduce the same output on all machines because ElvaJet Opal SB and SC inks use the same color reference,” commented Dr. Simon Daplyn, marketing manager of Sensient’s inks division.

“This standardization offers unique options for production flexibility and a reduction of consumable costs. Early market tests show significant ink savings can be achieved by new customers switching to ElvaJet Opal SB ink.”

“By focusing on the needs of the market and our clients, ElvaJet Opal SB inks enhance the value of our offerings to print shops,” adds Mike Geraghty, president of Sensient’s Color Group. “Product that delivers peace of mind for our users is key. We are delivering reliable printing with outstanding results in terms of batch to batch color consistency, sharpness of print detail, color intensity, and high release from the paper, all with Eco Passport status providing further reassurance of brand compliance and sustainability in the supply chain.”

The digital sublimation inks developed under the ElvaJet Opal platform are designed and manufactured in Morges, Switzerland, and have been formulated for use in Piezo-based printers for applications such as fashion, sports apparel, home textiles, and sign & display. Successfully printed on a range of wide format digital printers, these inks show exceptional print and color performance.

Posted January 18, 2019

Source: Sensient Imaging Technologies

PUMA Establishes New North American Headquarters

WESTFORD, Mass. — January 18, 2019 — As part of its growth, retention and recruitment strategy, sports company PUMA North America Inc. today announced plans to establish a new North American headquarters in Somerville, Mass. in 2021. The new headquarters will bring together two PUMA offices, currently based in Boston and Westford.

“We’re excited to bring together our talented North American employees in Somerville, a diverse, vibrant city that reflects our values and culture, and will allow us to retain and recruit the best talent across our front and back-end operations,” said Bob Philion, President and CEO of PUMA North America. “This new headquarters will allow us to better collaborate, foster diversity of thought, creativity and innovation, and have fun while doing it.”

The new headquarters, located at 455 Grand Union Blvd. in Somerville, provides the company with five floors of office space totaling 150,000 square feet. PUMA intends to have approximately 550 positions at the location once the move is complete, representing a more than 20 percent growth of its workforce. There will also be a 19,000-square-foot roof deck, complete with a recreational area and basketball court. The facility provides employees access to a state-of-the-art fitness center, an on-location kids room, ample bike storage and a 2,300-square-foot balcony. The new space is steps away from the MBTA Orange Line Assembly Square stop and provides employees easy access to Assembly Row’s abundant dining, shopping and health and wellness benefits. PUMA has operated a retail location at Assembly Row since 2014.

“Our brand mantra, ‘Forever Faster,’ spans everything we do—from making to marketing and every discipline in between,” said Adam Petrick, global director of Brand and Marketing at PUMA. “We need to be faster than ever in the way we react and adapt. Somerville is a city buzzing with creative, diverse energy that will help us live out our ‘Forever Faster’ mentality.”

A long-term lease for the space—a soon-to-be-built 300,000-square-foot building—has been negotiated with developer and landlord Federal Realty Investment Trust. PUMA North America was represented by Michael Joyce at Cushman & Wakefield. Federal Realty was represented by Joe Flaherty at JLL. Assembly Row is easily accessible via Interstate 93 and the MBTA, providing ease of access for the company’s urban and suburban employees.

“We are excited and proud to welcome one of the world’s most recognizable brands to Somerville and look forward to introducing PUMA to our talented and diverse workforce,” said Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “An energetic, creative and forward-looking company like PUMA will fit right in with the innovation culture that is thriving here and continuing to grow.”

Posted January 18, 2019

Source: PUMA

2019 Marine Fabricators Conference Delivers Second-Largest Attendance In History With Nearly 100 First-Time Attendees

ROSEVILLE, Minn. — January 17, 2019 — The 2019 Marine Fabricators Conference, held January 10-12, was a huge hit, with 260 verified registrants, making it the second-largest crowd in conference history. With nearly a hundred first-time attendees, conference-goers enjoyed attending a wide variety of educational sessions, networking and strolling the busy exhibitor show floor to discover the newest innovations in equipment, fabrics, threads and hardware components.

“I spent three hours on the show floor schmoozing,” says long-time fabricator Victoria Babylon, of Canvas By Victoria, Worton, Md. “I was able to be hands-on with some of the new products and tools I’m interested in.”

Educational sessions included advanced upholstery techniques, marine flooring, industry roundtables, digital templating, social networking and hands-on fabrication demonstrations of deluxe enclosures and dodgers.

“Every time I come to a conference I learn something new,” said Babylon. “And this year I’m particularly happy to see so many young people here bridging the gap between the old methods and adapting new technologies.”

“The level of business to business collaboration is off the charts in the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) Division, host of Marine Fabricators Conference. IFAI members shared priceless fabrication procedures and business tips that were honed and perfected by experience. Where else can you find that kind of education? It’s really a wonderful, giving community”, says MFA Division Supervisor Magda Ronningen.

First-time attendees Eileen Peckis, Joe Peckis and Kathy Haugen, from Quick Snap Tabs, Scottsdale, Ariz., came to the conference looking for distributors for their new product.

“I have been so pleasantly surprised by the warmth and openness of everyone here,” said Haugen. “I love how helpful everyone’s been,” said Eileen Peckis. “Having tables at the lunches designated specifically for the new attendees really helped create relationships right off the bat,” she says. Her husband, Joe, agreed. “We were here primarily to walk the show floor, and a gentleman I met at the first lunch grabbed me right away and walked me over to a distributor he knew. It’s been great.”

Both attendees and exhibitors reported a high-energy, receptive crowd interested in the educational seminars as well as the products and equipment demonstrations. The social events included a prohibition-themed welcome party, a tour of Harbor Custom Canvas, the largest marine canvas shop in Long Beach, and an exciting closing night awards dinner.

Roundtables provide intense interactions

Three large rooms, a 40-minute timer, fifteen tables and 150 people talking makes for a high-energy, high-volume afternoon. The marine industry “speed dating” roundtables gave participants a chance to discuss burning issues and exchange best practices on a wide variety of topics including framing, fabric choices, staff training techniques, product line diversification, upholstery and many others.

Templating is first step to automation

Amy Poe, from Wyckam Fabric Creations in, Portland, Ore., and Gary Unitt, from Autometrix Precision Cutting Systems Inc., presented an introductory session on templating and discussed the various low-tech and high-tech methods available to create one of the simplest forms of automation.

Tools, Tips and Tricks at Marine Fabricators Conference

The Tools, Tricks and Tips competition at the 2019 Marine Fabricators Conference had no shortage of good ideas. David Huntington of River Custom Canvas was the first-place Don Racine Award winner for his Redesigned Button Die tip. Mark Peterson, SugarHouse Awning, won second place and 25 yards of Sattler 60″ solids donated by Sattler Corp. with his Tool to Roll Up Long Strips. Finally, the third-place winner was Victoria Babylon, Canvas By Victoria, for her Sharpie Eraser tip.

Aussies a friendly force at 2019 Marine Fabricators Conference

This year’s Marine Fabricators Conference included 16 Australian guests who presented educational sessions on a variety of upholstery and patterning techniques. Aaron and Kym Stroud-Smith from Canvas Barn Marine Trimming, Swan Reach, discussed dodger fabrication from an Australian perspective and gave the crowd a bit of an Australian geography lesson to help clarify the different fabricators and techniques around the country.

David Elliott, David’s Custom Trimmers from Queensland, along with Steve Szenay, Serge Ferrari North America, Inc., presented a session on deluxe enclosures. The session was full of valuable and unusual tips and techniques for working with U zippers, patterning and materials.

New marine fabricators business insurance program announced

Steve Schiffman, IFAI’s President and CEO, presented the latest on IFAI/MFA membership benefits at a luncheon which included information on new member benefits like the Textile Industry Retirement fund, APPI’s energy saving program and a new marine specific benefit called the Marine Fabricators Business Insurance Program.

This business insurance program is tailored to MFA members and their unique risks and exposures. Insurance options are offered through IFAI’s insurance broker, Marsh & McLennan Agency. Options include: Property, Inland Marine, General Liability, Auto Liability, Workers Compensation/Employers liability, Cyber Liability, Employment Practices Liability Insurance.

Posted January 17, 2019

Source: The Marine Fabricators Association/Industrial Fabrics Association International

TRSA To Host Three Events In Dallas This April

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — January 17, 2019 — TRSA Summits that emphasize effective workforce management, safety and production best practices will be hosted in Dallas during the second week of April. Participants will have a great opportunity to network and share experiences with leaders in the industry while leveraging professional development and travel dollars by taking advantage of TRSA’s multi-registration and early discount offerings for these events:

April 9: TRSA’s 3rd Annual Workforce Management Summit

Back for a third year, this summit continues to gain momentum as a top resource for managers looking to solve challenging human resources and employment concerns in the linen, uniform and facility services industry. This year’s keynote speaker Dick Finnegan, author and CEO, C-Suite Analytics and Finnegan Institute will provide fresh ideas and techniques for reducing high employee turnover and improving employee engagement. Finnegan is the author of the bestseller, The Power of Stay Interviews for Engagement and Retention. General session topics include:

  • Drug Testing Regulations, Legal Issues & Hiring Strategies in the Legalized Marijuana Era;
  • Transitioning from Doing to Managing; and
  • Employee Development and Training.

These workshop presentations address skills that all managers need:

  • How to Conduct Effective Internal Investigations and Assess Credibility; and
  • Onboarding: Effectively Connecting People to Your Company Culture.

April 10: TRSA’s 8th Annual Safety Summit

Join forces with the largest gathering of those who make laundry industry safety a priority at this one-day event following the Workforce Management Summit. HUB International will provide the keynote presentation on Workplace Violence: Prevention and Intervention. Discover techniques to craft a safety culture and also gain a better understanding of  common sources of violence within the organization. General sessions include these hot topics:

  • Implementing Ergonomics on the Plant Floor; and
  • TRSA’s New Safety and Health Certification.

Attendees are encouraged to invite a colleague to ensure coverage of all breakout sessions, as follows:

  • Electrical Safety;
  • Hazard Prevention and Control;
  • How to Build a “Train the Trainer” Program;
  • Prepare, Respond, Recover: Risk Management Essentials to Minimize Business Interruption;
  • Risk Assessment Process for Commercial Laundries; and
  • The role of Leadership in Culture Development.

New for this year for both the Workforce Management and Safety Summits are facilitated roundtables, a time for summit attendees to participate in group discussions on topics of importance to them.

April 11-12: TRSA’s Production Summit and Plant Tours

TRSA’s twice-yearly Production Summit and Plant Tours program offers two days of sharing and learning processes and management techniques that impact day-to-day operations through an agenda packed with general and breakout sessions and local plant tours. Kevin Ames, Director of Speaking and Training at O.C. Tanner will provide the keynote presentation focusing on fostering a company culture among employees to create effective hiring and retention programs. General sessions cover these topics:

  • Enhance Business with Smart Phone Apps; and
  • Minimizing Workplace Negativity to Boost Production.

A panel made up of industry experts will discuss Successful Productivity Improvements.

Production Summit breakout sessions include:

  • Accident Investigation & Creating Incident Reports;
  • Managing Quality Control;
  • “Old School” Production Meets the Future; and.
  • Simplify: 5S Methodology in Your Plant

On day two of the Production Summit, you’ll tour these Dallas-area plants:

  • Brim Laundry Machinery, Hutchins, Texas
    • 250,000-sq. ft. plant produces 100+ large-capacity open pocket washer/extractors and tumbler dryers annually
  • North Texas Healthcare Laundry, Grand Prairie, Texas
    • Processes 49 million pounds of healthcare linens annually, using a fully-integrated, automated delivery system of products from soil department through washroom to production floor

Debriefing with plant management personnel and other tour attendees following the tours will allow for comparison of practices and further insight into these efficiently-run plants.

Posted January 17, 2019

Source: TRSA

Carhartt Announces Launch Of Carhartt Company Gear™

DEARBORN, Mich.  — January 17, 2019 — Carhartt launched its Carhartt Company Gear™ program on Januart 16, 2019. With the new Carhartt Company Gear service model, the 130-year-old brand will provide a wide range of businesses with its familiar rugged, durable products. In addition to Carhartt’s most popular styles, businesses across various trades and sectors will also have access to the new Rugged Professional™ Series, which will give uniformed associates a sharp, professional appearance.

“With the launch of Carhartt Company Gear, our brand now offers one of the most comprehensive and innovative workwear solutions in the marketplace,” said Andi Donovan, senior vice president of Carhartt Company Gear. “The reorganization of our service program will allow Carhartt to accommodate customers’ workwear demands whether they need pants for a crew of 20 or need to outfit an entire operation. So far, the reaction from the market has been very positive.”

To service customers in search of customized workwear programs, Carhartt set out to expand its well-known consumer collection of industrial products to fit the uniform needs of businesses. With the launch of Carhartt Company Gear, the brand also introduced its new Rugged Professional Series. This product collection comes in nine styles and features Rugged Flex® and Stain Breaker® technologies, along with wrinkle resistance, and superior colorfastness to maintain a professional look after dozens of washes.

The Rugged Professional Series includes button-up shirts, work pants and shorts, and a baseball cap, and will be offered alongside several other styles that will be available in a complete array of sizes to accommodate both men and women.

Carhartt Company Gear will also include products under every category of industry and specialty from standard uniforms to more specific clothing requirements, such as flame resistant and high visibility gear designed to comply with federal and state employee safety standards.

Posted January 17, 2019

Source: Carhartt, Inc.

Fortify Doubles Its Team, Develops Digital Composite Manufacturing Platform

BOSTON — January 15, 2019 — Fortify, a Boston-based additive manufacturing start-up and digital composite manufacturer, announced today a seed round of $2.5 million with strategic funding from Neotribe Ventures, Prelude Ventures, Mainspring Capital, Ocean Azul Partners, and McCune Capital.

Fortify’s patented Fluxprint technology combines magnetics and digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing to produce composite parts with ideal mechanical properties, tailored reinforcement and geometric freedom. Founded on research in composite 3D printing by Dr. Randall Erb and Dr. Joshua Martin, the company has established itself as an innovator in Digital Composite Manufacturing (DCM). Recently they have developed a high-resolution, fiber-reinforced DLP additive manufacturing platform, which includes the patented Fluxprint hardware, innovative materials and INFORM generative design software. With this latest funding round, the team has also more than doubled in size, enabling new capabilities for innovation and partnership development.

“We’re thrilled to count Fortify amongst our partners,” said Kittu Kolluri of Neotribe Ventures. “At Neotribe we place a high value on transformative technology, and Fortify continues to prove themselves as a pioneer in manufacturing for the digital age by democratizing the performance of advanced composites through additive manufacturing.”

In addition to its ground-breaking additive manufacturing platform, Fortify’s team has launched two resins, with one being the strongest resin available on the market. It also filed IP and are engaging in partnerships with leading manufacturers across the country. These innovations are shaking up the traditional additive manufacturing industry, which has failed to bridge the gap between prototyping and production. DCM makes this possible by producing high-quality composite parts that would typically require labor-intensive methods. By pairing high-performance engineering resins with specialty additives, Fortify utilizes DCM to produce the strongest resin available on the market. Fortify’s patented hardware and software processes allow control over the alignment within each printed part — leading to better performance without sacrificing cost or design flexibility.

“Fortify’s 3D printing technology is revolutionary, and we’re excited to be a part of their continued growth,” said Mark Cupta of Prelude Ventures. “The efficiency their platform brings to the manufacturing space is well in line with our commitment to sustainability.”

Fortify is also introducing the Fortify Fiber Platform, inviting materials companies and resin suppliers to develop high-performance resins in conjunction with Fortify material scientists and engineers. This platform is already being embraced by Fortify partners such as DSM, an industry leader in the development of cutting-edge photoactive resins for additive manufacturing.

“By embracing open innovation and an open materials mentality,” says Karlo Delos Reyes, vice president of Business Development at Fortify, “we are giving our customers flexibility and a broad materials palette without the restraints of a single proprietary resin set.”

Looking to 2019, Fortify is seeking an additional round of $8 million in Series A funding while moving into the beta launch of its system. Beginning this upcoming winter, the beta program will focus on delivering the digital composite platform to 10 select partners.

“The support from our investors and partners is affirmation that the technology we’re developing is meeting significant needs in the manufacturing industry,” said Josh Martin, CEO of Fortify. “We are looking forward to continue to be an innovation leader in the space and grow our DCM capabilities and products.”

In addition to its seed round of funding, Fortify has received multiple accolades, including being named Formnext Startup Challenge winners (2019), Best University Startups 2017 (NCET2), JEC Startup Booster Innovation Award (2017) and MassChallenge Gold Winner (2016).

Posted January 16, 2019

Source: Fortify

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