MakerGear
MakerGear LLC is a Beachwood, Ohio-based, founder-owned and bootstrapped manufacturer of precision FFF desktop and industrial 3D printers, filament, and accessories serving industrial, education, and government customers via direct e-commerce and a global authorized reseller network spanning 40+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersBeachwood, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What MakerGear does
MakerGear LLC is a privately-held, founder-owned manufacturer of Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) desktop and industrial 3D printers headquartered in Beachwood, Ohio. Founded in 2009 by Rick Pollack, the company engineers and assembles its printers domestically using precision-machined steel and aluminum frames, industrial-grade linear rails, a proprietary V4 hot end refined over a decade, and an independent dual extruder architecture that enables duplication/multi-material printing. The product portfolio spans the $500 Micro educational kit, the $1,530–$1,979 M3 desktop series (M3-SE, M3-ID), and the $15,600 Ultra One industrial printer with a 16"x14"x13" build volume and fully sealed enclosure. The M2 workhorse, launched in 2012 and now in its 5th-generation Rev. E, remains the foundational SKU.
The company operates a multi-channel go-to-market combining direct e-commerce through makergear.com with a global authorized reseller network spanning 40+ countries via distributors including Element14 (Asia-Pacific), Farnell (Europe), and Newark (Americas), supplemented by regional partners and a GSA Advantage listing for US federal procurement. Customer segments span professional/industrial manufacturing (24/7 production deployments), education (K-12 STEM and university engineering), and government/national labs. Recurring revenue streams include proprietary filament (PLA, ABS, PolySupport) and replacement parts/accessories. Named end-user logos include NASA, Lockheed Martin, US Army, Toyota, DuPont, Eaton, Oak Ridge and Brookhaven National Laboratories, and multiple universities; Voodoo Manufacturing has scaled to 100+ M3 units for production use. The business is bootstrapped with no external venture funding, sells primarily via one-time hardware unit pricing, and currently lists most core SKUs as 'sold out' — a signal of constrained operations following 2022 supply chain disruptions.
MakerGear firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MakerGear
- Legal name
- MakerGear LLC
- Website
- https://makergear.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- MakerGear LLC is a Beachwood, Ohio-based, founder-owned and bootstrapped manufacturer of precision FFF desktop and industrial 3D printers, filament, and accessories serving industrial, education, and government customers via direct e-commerce and a global authorized reseller network spanning 40+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MakerGear industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Desktop 3D Printers
- NAICS
- Electronic Computer Manufacturing (334111)
- SIC
- Printing Trades Machinery & Equipment (3555)
- akta.pro primary industry
- 3D Printers (Additive Manufacturing) (HDACAEAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Large-Format & Industrial Production 3D Printers (High-Throughput Systems) (IMAAAAAK), Polymer Filaments (FDM/FFF) (IMAAABAA), 3D Printer Automation & Peripheral Hardware (Material Handling, Depowdering, Build Units) (IMAAAAAL)
Keywords
Where MakerGear is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Beachwood
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
MakerGear business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- 3D Printer Sales: Sale of desktop and industrial-grade 3D printers (Ultra One, M3-ID, M3-SE, M2, Micro kit). Ultra One is sold contact-for-pricing; M3 and M2 series have listed retail prices. Both new and refurbished/lightly used units are sold. This is the primary revenue driver.
- Filament Sales: Sale of proprietary filament including PLA, ABS, BVOH, PolySupport, and featured/seasonal colors. Filament is sold in 1kg and 5-pound spools at price points from $19-$50.
- Parts and Accessories: Sale of replacement parts (V4 Hot End, nozzles, build surfaces, electronics boards, fans, motors), upgrades (V4 extruder upgrade, LCD interface, power supply upgrade, probe upgrade), and consumables (polyimide tape, thermistors, cartridge heaters).
- Software: Simplify3D slicing software sold separately ($199 per license) and included with M3-ID. Contributes modestly to revenue.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Ultra One — Industrial 3D Printer |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | M3-ID — Independent Dual Extruder Desktop Printer |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | M3-SE — Single Extruder Desktop Printer |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | M2 — Original Workhorse Desktop Printer |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Micro 3D Printer Kit — Educational/Open Source Project |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Refurbished/Lightly Used Printers |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Referral Program |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | PLA Filament 1kg Spool |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | ABS Filament |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | PolySupport Filament |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels10 records
MakerGear product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MakerGear designs, engineers, and manufactures FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) desktop and industrial-grade 3D printers (Ultra One, M3-ID, M3-SE, M2, and the Micro educational kit), along with proprietary 1.75mm filament (PLA, ABS, PolySupport), replacement parts and upgrades (V4 hot ends, nozzles, electronics), and Simplify3D slicing software. All units are manufactured at the company's Beachwood, Ohio headquarters using steel frames, precision-machined cast aluminum, and industrial-grade linear rails.
Product overview
MakerGear is a manufacturer of precision desktop and industrial 3D printers based in Beachwood, Ohio. The product portfolio centers on FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) 3D printers including the M2 workhorse (launched 2012), M3-SE and M3-ID desktop series (2017), and Ultra One industrial printer (2018). The M3-ID features independent dual extruders enabling duplication mode, while the Ultra One offers large-format industrial printing with 16" x 14" x 13" build volume. MakerGear also sells proprietary filament (PLA, ABS, PolySupport), printer parts and upgrades (V4 Hot End, nozzles, electronics), and software (Simplify3D). The company serves business, education, and maker segments through direct sales and authorized resellers worldwide.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- MakerGear Ultra One Industrial-grade FFF 3D printer with a 16"x14"x13" build volume, independent dual extruders, and a fully sealed enclosure for high-temperature materials and 24/7 production use. Sold contact-for-pricing.
- MakerGear M3-ID Desktop 3D printer with independent dual extruders enabling duplication/Mimeo mode, doubling printing capacity for single-material jobs and supporting multi-material and soluble-support prints. Includes Simplify3D software.
- MakerGear M3-SE Single-extruder desktop 3D printer with steel frame, precision-machined components, True Level touch-probe auto-bed-leveling, and WiFi/Ethernet connectivity; engineered for long-haul 24/7 operation. Made in the USA.
- MakerGear M2 Original workhorse desktop 3D printer with steel frame and CNC-machined cast aluminum construction; open-source electronics and firmware; now in its fifth generation (Rev. E).
- MakerGear Micro 3D Printer Kit Open-source, build-it-yourself 3D printer kit designed for STEM education, available as hardware-only or hardware-plus-printed-parts.
- PLA Filament 1.75mm polylactic acid filament sold in 1kg spools across multiple colors, tested for consistent high-quality performance with MakerGear printers.
- ABS Filament 1.75mm ABS filament available in 1kg and 5-pound spools, suitable for industrial applications requiring durability and flexibility.
- PolySupport Filament Moderately flexible support material designed for dual-extruder prints that peels off cleanly from the main print; 0.75kg spool.
- Simplify3D Software Professional 3D printing slicing software sold as a $199 standalone license (or bundled with the M3-ID), offering an integrated platform for 3D printing workflows.
Quantifiable outcome
- M3-ID doubles printing capacity for single-material prints through Mimeo/duplication mode with independent dual extruders
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use MakerGear
Customer profileNamed customers19 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
MakerGear technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature7 records
MakerGear partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor.
- RIPPL3DminorMakerGear partners with RIPPL3D to encourage and resource students in STEM education. RIPPL3D provides engaging, thoughtfully designed STEM challenges and a web app that serves as a resource for science classrooms. MakerGear supports RIPPL3D events and maker activities as part of its education outreach strategy.
- Cleveland Clinic Art Therapy DepartmentminorMakerGear collaborates with the Cleveland Clinic art therapy department for its annual Virtual Toy Drive, engaging the maker community to create custom toys for hospitalized children. MakerGear coordinates collection and donation of 3D-printed toys.
- JobsOhiominorMakerGear Founder & CEO Rick Pollack participated in a trade mission to Germany with JobsOhio, the state's economic development organization. The mission supported MakerGear's international expansion and positioning Ohio as a hub for advanced manufacturing.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
MakerGear competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Anycubic: Anycubic is a Chinese manufacturer of affordable FFF and resin 3D printers competing primarily on price ($200-$800). Comparable in technology category and overlapping entry-level/prosumer customer base, with growing presence in education channels.
- Bambu Lab: Bambu Lab has rapidly disrupted the desktop FFF market with high-speed CoreXY printers featuring multi-material systems and AI-assisted calibration. Overlaps with MakerGear in FFF category and target customer (prosumer/small business) but competes on speed and automation rather than mechanical robustness.
Broad incumbents
- Markforged: Markforged is a broader industrial 3D printing company specializing in carbon fiber and metal FFF plus bound metal deposition. Comparable to MakerGear's Ultra One industrial positioning, with overlapping defense/manufacturing customers, but at much larger scale and with proprietary continuous fiber technology.
- Formlabs: Formlabs is a leader in desktop SLA/resin 3D printing with a comparable prosumer/professional go-to-market motion. While the underlying technology (SLA vs FFF) differs, Formlabs competes for the same design/prototyping budget at professional and education customers.
- 3D Systems: 3D Systems is a broad incumbent in industrial 3D printing (metal, polymer, plastics). Comparable to MakerGear in industrial/government vertical and shared aerospace/defense customers, though with significantly broader technology portfolio (SLA, SLS, DMP metal printing) and much larger scale.
- Stratasys: Stratasys is a major incumbent in industrial and professional 3D printing (FDM, PolyJet, SAF). Overlaps with MakerGear's industrial/government vertical (aerospace, defense, automotive) and shares customers like NASA, Lockheed Martin, and Toyota, but operates at significantly larger scale with broader technology portfolio.
Direct peers
- Raise3D: Raise3D is a pro/small-business FFF 3D printer manufacturer with the Pro3 and E2 series. Directly comparable in target market (professionals, small manufacturers, education) and price tier, with a similar emphasis on dual extrusion and industrial materials.
- Creality: Creality is the largest Chinese desktop FFF 3D printer manufacturer by volume, competing aggressively on price ($200-$800 entry-level, $1,500+ prosumer). Directly comparable technology (FDM/FFF) and overlapping customer base, though positioned at lower price points than MakerGear's M-series.
- Prusa Research: Prusa is a leading desktop FFF 3D printer manufacturer with a globally recognized prosumer/hobbyist brand. Directly comparable to MakerGear in technology category (FDM/FFF), customer segments (makers, education, small business), and pricing tier ($1,000-$2,500). Competes head-to-head in education and prosumer channels.
- Ultimaker: Ultimaker is a direct competitor in the professional desktop FFF segment with the S-series (S3, S5, S7). Closely comparable on price tier ($3,000-$7,000), target customer (professionals, education, small business), and product positioning (reliability, dual extrusion, industrial materials).
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
MakerGear social profiles
Digital presenceMakerGear financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MakerGear leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
MakerGear funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MakerGear M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about MakerGear
What does MakerGear do?
MakerGear designs, engineers, and manufactures FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) desktop and industrial-grade 3D printers (Ultra One, M3-ID, M3-SE, M2, and the Micro educational kit), along with proprietary 1.75mm filament (PLA, ABS, PolySupport), replacement parts and upgrades (V4 hot ends, nozzles, electronics), and Simplify3D slicing software. All units are manufactured at the company's Beachwood, Ohio headquarters using steel frames, precision-machined cast aluminum, and industrial-grade linear rails.
Is MakerGear a public or private company?
MakerGear is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was MakerGear founded?
MakerGear was founded in 2009. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is MakerGear based?
MakerGear is headquartered in Beachwood, United States, in the North America region.
How does MakerGear make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. 3D Printer Sales are the primary driver. The others are filament Sales, parts and Accessories and software.
Who are MakerGear's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Anycubic and Bambu Lab. Broad incumbents are Markforged, Formlabs, 3D Systems and Stratasys. Direct peers are Raise3D, Creality, Prusa Research and Ultimaker.
Does MakerGear have an API?
No public API is recorded for MakerGear.
What industry is MakerGear in?
MakerGear's product category is Desktop 3D Printers. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDACAEAH, 3D Printers (Additive Manufacturing), with a secondary code of IMAAAAAK, Large-Format & Industrial Production 3D Printers (High-Throughput Systems). Its NAICS code is 334111 and its SIC code is 3555.