How Fabric8Labs is Redefining Manufacturing
Intel Capital’s edition of the InTechnology podcast spotlights investors and leaders from the Intel Capital portfolio and their game-changing technologies. These conversations explore the key areas of technology Intel Capital invests in and the companies shaping the future of compute.
The first episode of the InTechnology x Intel Capital podcast series offers an insightful discussion around electrochemical additive manufacturing (ECAM), an innovative metal 3D-printing approach developed by Intel Capital portfolio company Fabric8Labs. Intel host Camille Morhardt and Jennifer Ard, Managing Director and Head of Investment Operations at Intel Capital, delve into the world of metal 3D printing with a special guest from Fabric8Labs, Ian Winfield, Vice President of Product and Applications.
Fabric8Labs’ ECAM technology supersedes traditional manufacturing processes, offering scalable, high-resolution, and environmentally conscious manufacturing solutions that will redefine what's possible in thermal management, radio frequency devices, and beyond. Fabric8Labs stands at the forefront of advanced manufacturing technology, leveraging ECAM to produce parts at scale at a lower power consumption rate than incumbent methods.
Unlike traditional metal 3D printing that relies on powders, ECAM uses a water-based electroplating solution, enabling the creation of parts with exceptional resolution and precision. This method is cost-effective, using raw copper at market prices, and environmentally friendly, boasting a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional manufacturing processes. The room-temperature printing process further reduces energy requirements, making it a scalable and sustainable manufacturing solution. With ECAM’s low energy consumption and ability to utilize scrap copper feedstock, Fabric8Labs’ manufacturing process is ecologically responsible and sustains ESG green initiatives.
As AI/ML technologies advance, efficient cooling solutions are critical. Fabric8Labs' liquid cold plates, designed to manage the heat from high-power chips, are a game-changer for data centers, the automotive industry, and more. The technology's ability to handle a variety of materials, including nickel, platinum, and gold, creates many possibilities in satellite communications and 5G networks. In the future, Winfield envisions ECAM playing a significant role in electronics manufacturing, with potential expansions into medical devices and other industries.
As the company scales up, the potential for a global footprint of ECAM-based manufacturing sites becomes a tantalizing prospect. But Fabric8Labs is not just creating parts; it's reshaping the manufacturing landscape. With a commitment to sustainability and the ability to adapt to various industries' needs, ECAM technology is poised to become a cornerstone of modern manufacturing and the electronics value chain.
To dive further into the world of advanced manufacturing and learn more about Fabric8Labs’ future and the potential of ECAM, tune in to the full InTechnology episode.
