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Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF)

HardwareMaynard, USAFounded 2016· One of 1738 Hardware companies tracked by AMPulse

Leader in micro-precision 3D printing using proprietary Projection Micro Stereolithography (PμSL) technology, enabling ultra-high resolution manufacturing down to 2-micron precision for medical devices, electronics, and advanced research applications.

CEO / Founder
John Kawola
Team Size
51-200
Stage
Active
Total Funding
$81M
Latest Round
Series D
Key Investors
Series C (2022): Led by Shenzhen Capital Group Co., Ltd. (SCGC). Series D (2023): Led by Guotai Junan Securities. Other investors include National Manufacturing Transformation and Upgrading Fund, Chuanghe Xincai Manufacturing Sector Fund, Guotai Junan Innovation Investment, North Summit Capital. Note: Xiaoning He is Co-founder and CEO of BMF (China entity), John Kawola is CEO-Global.

Technology & Products

Key Products

Projection Micro Stereolithography (PμSL) technology for ultra-high precision and micro-resolution 3D printing.

Technological Advantage

BMF's technology enables the production of complex micro-scale parts that were previously impossible or prohibitively expensive to manufacture. This allows for rapid innovation in product design, especially in miniaturization for the electronics and medical device industries.

Differentiation

Value Proposition

Delivering the precision and tolerances of traditional micro-manufacturing methods (e.g., micro-injection molding) with the speed, design freedom, and cost-efficiency of 3D printing for prototyping and low-volume production.

How They Differentiate

BMF differentiates through its proprietary Projection Micro Stereolithography (PμSL) technology, offering a superior balance of resolution, build speed, and build volume for industrial production. This technology enables ultra-high precision and micro-resolution 3D printing, making it more suitable for industrial production compared to competitors that may focus on even finer resolutions but at slower speeds. Their open material system also provides greater flexibility.

Market & Competition

Target Customers

Companies requiring ultra-high precision micro-parts including medical device manufacturers, electronics producers, biotech firms, and research institutions needing micron-scale 3D printed components.

Industry Verticals

["Medical Devices (implants, surgical tools, microfluidics)", "Electronics (connectors, sensors)", "Aerospace", "Biotech & Life Sciences", "Research & Academia", "Jewelry & Luxury Goods"]

Competitors

Nanoscribe (a BICO company); Microlight3D; UpNano GmbH

Growth & Milestones

Growth Metrics

{"fda_clearance": "510(k) for UltraThineer", "recognition_2024": "Inc. 5000 list", "systems_deployed": "600+", "new_products_2024": "microArch D1025"}

Major Milestones

2025: U.S. Patent for dual-resolution system; FDA 510(k) clearance for UltraThineer material; UltraThineer Lab opening; 2024: Inc. 5000 list; Boston Business Journal MA 5th fastest growing; microArch D1025 launch; 600+ systems deployed globally

Notable Customers

Horizon Microtechnologies (horn antennas), IMcoMET (liquid biopsy microfluidic devices), Aerospace manufacturers, Medical device companies, Electronics manufacturers, Biotechnology firms

https://bmf3d.com

Recent coverage of Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF)

Why this company matters

Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF) occupies a distinct position in polymer additive manufacturing by targeting the micro-scale precision segment that conventional SLA cannot reach. Its proprietary Projection Micro Stereolithography (PμSL) technology achieves 2-10 micron resolution, enabling the production of complex micro-parts that were previously limited to traditional micro-injection molding or were too expensive to manufacture. The company complements this with a Horizon metallic coating capability for functional metal micro-parts, expanding its addressable applications.

BMF's core product line includes the microArch series, with the D1025 model featuring a dual-resolution system patented in 2025. The technology uses a digital light projector to cure entire layers of photopolymer resin simultaneously, balancing high resolution with practical build speeds and volumes. An open material system allows customers to select from partners such as BASF and 3D Systems, providing flexibility for specific mechanical or thermal requirements.

The primary customer base includes medical device manufacturers, electronics producers, biotech firms, and research institutions. Notable applications include microfluidic devices for liquid biopsy (IMcoMET), horn antennas (Horizon Microtechnologies), and dental products via the UltraThineer material, which received FDA 510(k) clearance. BMF has deployed over 600 systems globally and was recognized on the Inc. 5000 list in 2024.

BMF's strategic moat rests on its patented PμSL technology and the growing need for miniaturized components in medical and electronics end markets. Competition includes Nanoscribe, Microlight3D, and UpNano, which focus on even finer resolutions but typically at slower speeds. The company's ability to scale from prototyping to low-volume production, combined with its open material platform, positions it to capture demand as industries push toward smaller, more complex parts.