Mainstream Engineering
Develops multi-material robotic additive manufacturing systems and 3D-printed functional structures (e.g., sorbent beds with embedded wire) for NASA and defense applications, integrating thermal/fluid engineering expertise.
- CEO / Founder
- Robert P. Scaringe
- Team Size
- 51-200
- Stage
- Established
- Total Funding
- $13.52M
- Latest Round
- Bootstrapped
- Key Investors
- U.S. Department of Energy
Technology & Products
Key Products
Multi-Material Robotic Additive Manufacturing (MRAM); 3D-printed sorbent structures with embedded wire; Custom thermal control/energy conversion products; QwikProducts HVAC/refrigeration tools; EPA certification training
Technological Advantage
Mainstream's proprietary MRAM platform enables continuous wire embedding during polymer extrusion, producing monolithic sorbent/heat-exchange structures with improved thermal and mass-transfer performance compared to assembled counterparts. This is supported by NASA SBIR projects such as Continuous Wire Embedded 3D Printing for Sorbent Regeneration. The advantage is partially protectable through patents and trade secrets; however, the core AM process is replicable by well-funded robotics/AM developers.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces development time and weight for spacecraft/defense thermal and sorbent systems by embedding continuous wire in a single 3D-printed structure, eliminating assembly steps and improving heat/mass transfer.
How They Differentiate
Unlike competitors focused on thermal hardware or standalone AM services, Mainstream integrates thermal/fluid engineering with multi-axis robotic deposition to embed continuous wire in printed polymer structures, enabling functional sorbent/heat-exchange devices in one print.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Government agencies (NASA, DoD, DOE) and aerospace/defense OEMs seeking custom engineered AM parts and R&D.
Industry Verticals
Aerospace/Defense; Energy; HVAC/Refrigeration; Government Research
Competitors
Advanced Cooling Technologies; Lynntech Inc.; Physical Sciences Inc.
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Founded 1986; 51-200 employees; multiple NASA SBIR/STTR awards; four Recovery Act awards totaling $2.6M (2010)
Major Milestones
Founded in 1986; Developed Multi-Material Robotic Additive Manufacturing (MRAM) platform; Awarded NASA SBIR for Continuous Wire Embedded 3D Printing for Sorbent Regeneration; Received four Recovery Act awards totaling $2.6M
Notable Customers
NASA; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Army; U.S. Navy; U.S. Department of Energy