The Virtual Foundry launches Universal Metal Expansion

The Virtual Foundry (TVF), a specialist in the bound metal 3D printing filaments category, is introducing its Universal Metal Expansion strategy to make bound metal filament material extrusion 3D printing ubiquitous. As part of this plan, The Virtual Foundry signed a new distribution agreement with Bambu Lab, the renowned manufacturer of high-speed, user-friendly 3D printers.

To be clear, Bambu Lab is not directly involved in the metal 3D printing initiative beyond supplying the 3D printers to TVF as part of the distribution deal. Nadia Yaakoubi, Head of PR and Comms clarified that “while we value our collaboration with The Virtual Foundry, Bambu Lab remains focused on consumer 3D printing and does not have a strategic interest in metal 3D printing at this time.”

The Universal Metal Expansion transforms virtually any existing filament-based 3D printer into a metal printing system, opening up the possibilities of metal 3D printing to a wider audience. This innovative strategy, enabled by TVF’s Filamet metal filaments and the availability of Bambu Lab printers through TVF, provides a complete and accessible solution for anyone looking to explore the world of metal 3D printing.

“We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the advantages and versatility of metal 3D printing,” says Bradley Woods, Founder and CEO of The Virtual Foundry. “Universal Metal Expansion removes all significant barriers to entry, making it easier than ever for hobbyists, makers, educators, scientists, and businesses to create intricate, functional prototypes, custom tooling, and complex metal parts with the same ease and convenience as printing with traditional filaments.”

For those who are not yet familiar with it, The Virtual Foundry is a leading provider of metal 3D printing solutions, offering high-quality Filamet metal filaments, compatible 3D printers, and expert support to empower users to create innovative and complex metal parts. The company was among the very first to introduce bound metal filaments for 3D printing and still offers the widest range of materials to date.

Bound metal 3D printing was initially introduced by Desktop Metal and Markeforged. Both companies are now struggling in this area for different reasons (but mostly due to the high cost of their solutions), leaving an opening for new players to enter the market. Some of these new players have included various manufacturers of professional and industrial-level filament extrusion 3D printers, such as BCN3D and Raise3D (mainly via filaments introduced by BASF Forward AM). However, Forward AM has just filed for insolvency (after being spun out from BASF), leaving room for other material providers such as TVF. Other companies that continue to target this segment, such as 3DCeram-Tiwari and Nanoe, mostly target niche audiences with their hardware and material solutions.

TVF is committed to ensuring a smooth and successful transition to metal 3D printing. With its guidance and a complete range of products, TVF looks to empower users to unleash their creativity and bring their most ambitious ideas to life in great detail and precision. Although Bambu Lab is not actively and directly targeting metal 3D printing as part of its strategy, If TVF’s Universal Metal Expansion strategy is successful, it has the potential to make Bambu Lab the single largest manufacturer of metal 3D printers by units sold yearly. By far. It may be just a number, but for us collecting market data it is a significant one.

*This article has been modified from its original version. In a previous version, this article seemed to indicate that Bambu Lab was an active partner in TVF’s metal 3D printing strategy.