Carbon (company)

Carbon is a technology company that designs, engineers, and manufactures products using digital light synthesis (DLS) technology, a proprietary form of additive manufacturing. The company's primary focus is on enabling product developers and manufacturers to create high-performance parts with unique geometries and material properties at scale.

Overview

Founded in 2013 and based in Redwood City, California, Carbon offers a complete solution that includes printers, software, and a range of materials engineered for diverse applications. Their approach aims to bridge the gap between prototyping and mass production, enabling companies to bring products to market faster and with greater design freedom. Carbon's technology is used in industries such as automotive, healthcare, consumer products, and industrial manufacturing.

Technology

Carbon's Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) process utilizes programmable liquid resins, projected light, and oxygen to create parts. The DLS process allows for the production of parts with isotropic mechanical properties, high resolution, and a smooth surface finish. The company's software platform provides design tools, print preparation capabilities, and real-time monitoring of the printing process.

Materials

Carbon offers a range of materials tailored to specific application requirements. These include rigid polyurethanes, flexible polyurethanes, epoxy resins, and other specialized materials. These materials are designed to provide a variety of performance characteristics, such as high strength, durability, biocompatibility, and chemical resistance.

Applications

Carbon's technology is used in a wide range of applications, including:

• Automotive: Production of end-use parts such as interior components, connectors, and housings.
• Healthcare: Manufacturing of customized medical devices, dental models, and surgical guides.
• Consumer Products: Creation of footwear midsoles, eyewear frames, and other consumer goods.
• Industrial: Production of tooling, jigs, fixtures, and functional prototypes.

Business Model

Carbon operates on a subscription-based business model, providing access to its printers, software, and materials through recurring fees. This model allows customers to avoid large upfront capital expenditures and provides ongoing access to the latest technology and material innovations.

Controversies/Criticisms

While Carbon's technology offers significant advantages, potential drawbacks include the cost of the subscription model and the limited selection of materials compared to traditional manufacturing processes. The reliance on proprietary materials also limits the flexibility of users.