01-05-2015: Voxel8 unveiled the first 3D printer capable of printing both electrical circuits and enclosures simultaneously
Years later, its technology found its niche in the textile industry
On January 5, 2015, Voxel8 showcased an innovative 3D printer at CES in Las Vegas that could print electrical circuits using a special silver “ink” that conducted electricity. Additionally, the printer featured a second printhead capable of extruding plastic to build the final model. With specialized software, users could design the entire process to allow manual integration of electronics during the 3D printing process. The result was a fully functional electronic device with pre-printed wiring.
Voxel8 was founded in 2014 by Dr. Jennifer Lewis from Harvard University. She created a 3D printer that used two extruders: a traditional one for depositing standard PLA filament layers and a pneumatic pump-like extruder for dispensing a silver-based mixture that created conductive pathways on the 3D-printed surface.
At the time, the 3D printer was so novel and unique that it caught the attention of Autodesk, which took the startup under its wing. Together, they developed software called Project Wire, enabling users to design both conductive pathways and mounting points for electronic components. During operation, the printer could pause at specified points to allow manual placement of electronics before resuming the print.
The 3D printer, sold as the Developer’s Kit, was priced at $8,999. Voxel8 also introduced two higher-tier options: the Professional for $11,999 and the Enterprise for $16,999.
Voxel8 secured multiple funding rounds and attracted some high-profile clients. The first was MITRE Corporation, which operates seven Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and collaborated with Voxel8 on specialized antennas. Another was Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP), which purchased Voxel8’s devices in mid-2016. However, after that, news about Voxel8 dwindled, and the promising startup seemed to fade from public memory.
Then, the company made a surprising pivot! Voxel8 expanded its 3D printing technology to unconventional materials, focusing on applications in footwear, apparel, and smart textiles. In 2019, it launched the ActiveLab production system, a multi-material 3D printer specifically designed for producing high-performance uppers and sportswear textiles.
In 2021, Voxel8 was acquired by Kornit Digital, a textile manufacturing company specializing in on-demand textile production.
Source: www.3dprint.com