Carbon3D raises $81.1 million and forms strategic deals with GE, BMW, Nikon, and JSR

Carbon3D has raised additional funding for its 3D printing company, pulling in $81.1 million as part of its Series C extension round. The latest infusion of capital will be used to help accelerate production of the company’s M1 printer that launched in April and will be available in Europe, Japan, and in some Asian markets.

In conjunction with the latest raise, Carbon3D announced that it has created strategic partnerships with four major brands: GE, BMW Group, Nikon, and chemical manufacturer JSR. With these relationships, Carbon3D now has access to resources needed to improve its form design as well as printing ingredients and image capabilities.

“3D printing is a translation of the digital to a physical reality and, when done right, offers true design freedom across every category,” said Joseph M. DeSimone, Carbon3D’s cofounder and chief executive. “At launch, we set forth a bold vision to fundamentally change how the world makes ‘things.’ We have been working to deliver on that vision for the U.S. market and are ready to step onto the global stage.”

Combining today’s $81.1 million extension with the company’s original $100 million Series C round back in August (led by GV), Carbon3D has closed more than $181 million to promote its vision of what 3D printing should be.

Founded in 2013, the company targets commercial businesses, focusing not just on prototyping but also on actual manufacturing. It’s targeting those in the aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, athletic apparel, medical and dental, and industrial spaces. Customers using Carbon3D’s technology and M1 printer include Johnson & Johnson, Delphi, Ford, and BMW (which has become a strategic partner).

As a result of the strategic partnerships, Nikon is expected to contribute its expertise in metrology and 3D data profiling — including in the areas of measurement and X-Ray CT. JSR will help Carbon3D explore new materials and extend its supply chain. However, perhaps the most significant benefit is the expansion of Carbon3D’s footprint into Japan, with a pathway into other Asian markets, perhaps including China.

As for GE and BMW Group, both companies are likely interested in the potential of 3D printing technology and its application in the commercial space. If Carbon3D’s M1 printer and Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) technology prove successful, manufacturers will have a cheaper way of producing hardware, widgets, and parts for their products.

“Carbon3D’s CLIP technology can print exceptional quality parts for end-use production, opening the doors to incredible possibilities like low volume manufacturing, freedom of design, and mass customization,” said GE Ventures’ senior director of advanced manufacturing Steve Taub, in a statement. “We are excited to work with Carbon as part of our vision in deploying additive manufacturing applications across GE.”

The company also has a partnership with Kodak that will lead to a jointly developed M1 printer.

To date, Carbon has raised more than $222 million in funding.