This is some crazy news... Type A Machines got "resurrected" after six years
The Atomic Layers: S4E29 (00115)
Atomic Layer of the Day:
Today, Edward Wakefield from VoxelMatters published a piece of news that made me check my computer and browser settings, thinking they had gone back in time. Peak Technology, a manufacturing services company from San Jose, USA, announced the acquisition of all the intellectual property (IP) and assets of the former 3D printer technology company Type A Machines. With this move, they intend to expand their operations into 3D printing, significantly enhancing their competitiveness by offering innovative solutions in design, prototyping, and production.
The catch is that Type A Machines has been defunct for over six years.
Back when it was operational, it produced relatively simple, desktop-grade 3D printers based on the RepRap project—first with wooden frames, then metal ones.
The company was founded in 2012. Its flagship product, the Series 1, stood out for its large build volume, modularity, and open-source compatibility, attracting a strong following among makers and educational institutions. Of course, we remember that these were the early days of 3D printing's popularity when printers like the MakerBot Replicator 2, Ultimaker 2, and Zortrax M200 debuted.
Then things started to go downhill. The company faced challenges as competition in the desktop 3D printing market intensified. By 2018, Type A Machines announced its closure, citing unsustainable market dynamics and difficulty competing with lower-cost manufacturers. However, the truth is that its problems began piling up around 2015-2016.
Thus, Type A Machines faded into the annals of history as part of the first wave of amateur 3D printing, and very few people still remember the brand. Therefore, purchasing its intellectual property after more than six years—when Bambu Lab, Prusa, and numerous Chinese imitators dominate the desktop sector, and industrial leaders like Stratasys feel pressure from younger competitors—is peculiar.
But what's truly bizarre is presenting this as if it were a game-changer on the scale of Ford acquiring Tesla.
"By adding 3D printing services and product technology to our corporate portfolio, we are making a statement to the industry that we have a world-class production system specifically designed to address the product development and manufacturing challenges faced by our customers as they navigate the ever-changing requirements of the 4th Industrial Revolution," commented Robert de Neve, COO & Head of Corporate Venture for Peak Technology.
Seriously, either someone spun some wild tales to these poor folks when selling this outdated IP package from the defunct Type A Machines, or we’re dealing with something truly convoluted and twisted... I’ve seen such stories in Poland, but never before in San Jose.
On the other hand—just look at this: PEAK Technology Team.
Atomic Layer from the Past:
11-29-2011: Asiga released Pico - the world's first 3D printer using UV LED system.
News & Gossips:
Prusa Research has launched a new brand, Buddy3D, offering 46 new filaments and the Buddy3D camera for monitoring 3D printers. The filament lineup includes a variety of materials and colors, such as ESD ABS and MATT PETG. Essentially, Prusa has partnered with other material (and camera) manufacturers to outsource the production of additional filaments. The company is announcing this as something new, but it’s not really a novelty—selected types and colors of materials have already been produced by external suppliers in the past (including at least one in Poland). This is simply an official distinction now. Although, as is often the case in 3D printing, it’s hard to know the full story... You can’t even trust yourself in this industry.
Also, Prusa—like Bambu Lab and Creality—has launched a Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale. It’s not as cheap as with their Eastern competitors, but still decent. Discounts include the MK4S printers: the assembled version for $999 (a $100 discount) and the kit for $729 (a $70 discount). Additionally, buyers will receive filament, 3D models, and vouchers for the Core One Conversion Kit. The offer lasts until December 3rd, with details available on the Prusa website.
Lastly, a sad conclusion. Today, I came up with a phenomenal idea for a new project that I’ll announce soon (in December, before the holidays) on LinkedIn and here. The project will be recurring, monthly, and I’ll try to attract partners for its realization. I thought about who to contact in Poland and sadly realized that when it comes to 3D printer manufacturers, there’s hardly anyone left to reach out to... And there used to be 34 of them! It’s disheartening.