Formlabs, a leading 3D printing firm, has recently confirmed that it has laid off a small number of employees. While the exact figure has not been disclosed, it is said to be less than 40 individuals out of a total headcount of nearly 750 employees. These layoffs have occurred in waves over the past two years and have continued into the last few weeks.
In a statement to TechCrunch, a spokesperson for Formlabs explained that the company regularly reviews its organization to ensure that it has the most effective roles to support its customers and deliver excellent products. While the company continues to grow and invest in research and development, there are instances where it becomes necessary to part ways with employees in departments that are not meeting efficiency goals or are not in the right roles.
Formlabs has been a standout success in the 3D printing market, particularly with its introduction of high-precision SLA printing to the desktop form factor. Prior to this innovation, the market was dominated by FDM printers, which use melted plastic to create objects layer by layer. SLA printing, on the other hand, utilizes light to solidify resin into intricate, high-resolution structures.
The company has been able to weather the challenges faced by the 3D printing industry, including the burst of the original desktop 3D printing bubble that led to the closure of many companies. While other companies, like MakerBot, were acquired by larger firms, Formlabs has continued to thrive. It has also expanded into SLS (selective laser sintering) technology with its Fuse product, which uses lasers to sinter powder. Formlabs currently holds the distinction of shipping over 50% of all SLS units in the world.
While the industry as a whole has struggled to scale 3D printing for manufacturing purposes, Formlabs has found success in the medical and dental sectors. Its high-volume solution, essentially a wall of printers, has been introduced to address the need for customization in applications such as teeth-straightening inserts. This level of customization is not easily achieved through traditional manufacturing methods.
Overall, Formlabs has demonstrated its ability to innovate and adapt in the competitive 3D printing market. Despite the recent layoffs, the company continues to invest in research and development, positioning itself as a leader in the industry. With its focus on high-precision printing and expansion into new technologies like SLS, Formlabs is well-positioned for continued growth and success.
