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General Fabrication Company
edit| Industry | Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founder | Matt Parlmer |
| Products | |
| Owner | Matt Parlmer |
| Website | genfab |
General Fabrication Company (commonly referred to as GenFab) is an American manufacturing technology company founded in 2021 by software engineer and entrepreneur Matt Parlmer.[1] Headquartered in the Greater Chicago Area, the company focuses on developing accessible industrial-grade 3D printing hardware and materials, with an emphasis on democratizing small-scale manufacturing infrastructure.[2] Little information is known about the company.
History
editGenFab was established around January 2021 by Matt Parlmer, a political activist and software engineer with prior experience in applied computer science research and hardware ventures.[3] Parlmer conceptualized the company during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing from his work with the Open Personal Protective Equipment Project, which highlighted systemic gaps in decentralized manufacturing capabilities.[4] The company’s mission centers on reducing barriers to industrial 3D printing technologies, described by Parlmer as enabling an “AWS moment for hardware,” where advanced tools become as accessible as cloud computing services.[5]
Early development prioritized modular 3D printer designs and specialized materials optimized for functional parts. By 2023, GenFab had launched its first commercial products: the I-400-A 3D printer, CF Nylon Filament, and ASA Filament.[1] These offerings targeted professionals requiring high-strength, heat-resistant materials without the complexity of traditional industrial systems.
Products
editI-400-A 3D Printer
editThe I-400-A is a modular industrial 3D printer designed for compatibility with engineering-grade thermoplastics such as nylon-carbon fiber composites and ASA.[1] It features a hardened steel nozzle, enclosed build chamber, and active temperature control to mitigate warping—a common challenge with high-performance materials. The printer’s open-source firmware allows customization, aligning with GenFab’s emphasis on user adaptability.[5]
CF Nylon Filament
editGenFab’s nylon-carbon fiber (PA-CF) filament combines polyamide with short carbon fiber reinforcements, achieving tensile strengths comparable to aluminum alloys in specific applications. The material requires precise moisture control and high-temperature printing, necessitating hardware like the I-400-A. It is marketed toward automotive, limited aerospace, and robotics sectors for functional prototyping and end-use parts.
ASA Filament
editAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA) filament is engineered for UV resistance and thermal stability, addressing limitations of standard ABS in outdoor applications. GenFab’s formulation emphasizes layer adhesion and reduced warping, with compatibility as a support material for nylon-carbon fiber prints.
Leadership
editMatt Parlmer serves as CEO, leveraging his background in computer science and political activism to work towards decentralized industrial manufacturing infrastructure.[3] His technical philosophy emphasizes open-source collaboration and iterative design, reflected in GenFab’s development model.[4]