Forward Technologies Transforms Productivity and Problem-Solving With Markforged 3D Printing and Ellison Technologies
Forward Technologies, a precision machine shop serving aerospace, defense, power generation, and automotive markets, has built its reputation on tackling complex manufacturing challenges. This success is driven by a constant focus on smarter, faster, and more efficient ways to work. That mindset, led by Engineering Manager Andy Schultz, is what sparked their journey into advanced additive manufacturing.
“I started with 3D printing in 1996, when it was literally paper and glue,” Schultz recalls. “[In] every job, except for my first one out of college, I’ve dealt with 3D printers.”
When the team began looking for ways to improve automation, accelerate setups, and reduce reliance on costly outsourced components, Schultz knew exactly where to look.
He remembers saying, “I really think a 3D printer could help us.”
Choosing Markforged: Strength, Reliability, and Simplicity
Forward evaluated several additive manufacturing platforms. Markforged immediately rose to the top thanks to its industrial-grade strength with continuous carbon fiber reinforcement, straightforward user experience, competitive affordability, and design freedom without the burden of complex machine oversight.
That’s what drove me to Markforged,” Schultz says. “You still have the freedom, but you don’t have the responsibility of running the machine.
Ellison Technologies, Forward’s long-time partner, played a key role in confirming the decision.
Since 2015, every machine we have purchased has been through Ellison; talk about solutions!
Schultz also credits Sales Engineer Mike Sess for his guidance.
Mike has always been great to work with,” Schultz says. “He knows our shop, he knows our people.
Immediate Impact on the Shop Floor
Once the Markforged printer arrived, the impact was immediate.
The first printed part was a simple replacement knob for a machine on the shop floor. From there, adoption accelerated quickly, and printed solutions began appearing throughout the facility.
You cannot walk five feet into our shop without running into something 3D printed.
Today, Forward uses Markforged technology for customer parts and physical samples, fixture components that reduce setup time, machine replacement parts including knobs, guards, brackets, covers, and parts catchers, organizational trays for tools and accessories, automation components that reduce changeovers, and various everyday shop improvements. Employees have also embraced the technology for personal items, reflecting how accessible and helpful the printer has become.
Over half of Forward’s employees have something printed,” Schultz says. “The 3D printer solves infinite solutions.
Doing More, Faster and Cheaper
The measurable results quickly reinforced the value of bringing additive manufacturing in-house. Soft jaws that previously cost between $250 and $300 can now be produced for $50 to $100. Custom replacement parts are printed for a fraction of traditional machining costs. Faster turnaround times keep machines running, reduce bottlenecks, and support uninterrupted production.
Markforged gives Forward the ability to design, produce, and iterate instantly.
I use the printer to solve problems I didn’t even know I had,” Schultz explains. “I design pieces that cut down machine change time, replace parts, and even customize phone cases and key fobs.
Looking Ahead: Additive as a Competitive Advantage
With strong results and a growing internal culture of innovation, Schultz encourages other manufacturers to embrace the technology.
If you have someone on staff who can make 3D models get a printer - run, don’t walk! You are losing money and time.
Markforged has helped Forward expand internal capabilities, open new customer opportunities, and support employees in developing creative, effective solutions that improve the business every day.
Forward Technologies’ experience shows how powerful the right additive platform can be in transforming productivity, problem-solving, and shop performance.
