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Manufacturing is a notoriously finicky business. But smaller machine shops dependent on a handful of local customers in a single industry are particularly vulnerable to the whims of economic downturns. Since finding new work can be costly and time-consuming, some have been hoping for an Uber-like service for manufacturing.
The Maryland-based company Xometry recently developed that very model. Its software engineers have created a platform that connects businesses with a network of 2,500 manufacturers. Now a machine shop like Billet Studio — a specialist in computer numerical controlled machining located in Austin, Texas — can grow its customer base by logging onto Xometry’s website and submitting bids for new projects. “Xometry functions as our sales-and-marketing arm, making it easy for us to take on work without the cost and hassle of quoting jobs,” says co-owner Nick Aydelotte.
For companies on the other side of the equation — there are 10,000 members seeking manufacturing capacity — instant access to thousands of producers can be a lifesaver. In 2016 Ryan Lambert, an engineer who makes equipment for BMW’s production lines in South Carolina, was struggling to find a supplier that could combine 3D printing with other traditional manufacturing techniques. He went to Xometry, uploaded his 3D CAD files and instantly received a list of quotes, delivery dates and full analysis of what type of manufacturing works best. “I use Xometry because it offers all the major manufacturing processes within one interface and takes care of fulfillment, so I don’t need to juggle suppliers,” Lambert says.
Xometry’s network includes manufacturers with 13 different capabilities, including injection molding, CNC machining and additive manufacturing. Accessible via website or as an add-in to design software like Solidworks, the platform runs each project request through a series of algorithms to find the perfect match. “If a supplier is really strong at working with aluminum, we don’t want to waste his time bidding on a job with steel,” explains Xometry CEO Randy Altschuler. “Our platform doesn’t only ensure that manufacturers get work, but that they get the right work.” The right work sometimes comes from a completely new industry, he says, thus unlocking the door to a new line of business — and revenue — for a manufacturer.
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It’s like Uber for manufacturing: Engineers in need of parts can go to Xometry, upload a CAD file and immediately start getting quotes and delivery dates. Top photo credit: William Krueger.
To get into Xometry’s network, manufacturers must fulfill certain criteria, including professional certifications. They must also make their work available to inspection by Xometry’s team of quality engineers. New members cut their teeth on smaller orders. If they perform well on Xometry’s scorecard, which measures timeliness and quality, the platform’s algorithm will ramp up its matching formula, throwing out increasingly complex projects. According to Altschuler, strong suppliers could potentially graduate to projects worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Manufacturers can further bolster their businesses by purchasing new tools, materials and supplies through the website, as well as additional professional services, such as equipment financing and technological training, through the Shop Advantage Program, launched in September.
With thousands of customers like BMW, NASA and GE— hailing from industries as varied as aerospace and consumer products — Xometry is poised to keep growing. Last year, the company doubled its annual revenue to roughly $40 million.
In the two years since BMW placed its first order with Xometry, the company has become an investor. In fact, in June, Xometry received money from the German carmaker, as well as GE Ventures, in a $25 million round of funding led by venture capitalists Foundry Group.
Better yet, more than a dozen small manufacturers are now making parts for BMW. All of which lends credence to Xometry’s guiding principle: Plenty of potential suitors await U.S. manufacturers. It’s just a matter of finding the right match.