Fabri Secures $13.5 Million to Modernize Foundry Operations
Fabri has raised $13.5 million to advance traditional foundry processes through automation and additive manufacturing, aiming to address critical supply chain needs, particularly for the defense industry.
Fabri, a startup focused on revitalizing the American foundry sector, has announced a $13.5 million funding round. The company aims to create a "digital foundry" by integrating advanced computational tools and automation into traditional casting methods, addressing a decline in domestic foundry capabilities that poses challenges for industries like defense.
Fabri's approach involves leveraging 3D printing to create wax molds, streamlining parts of the investment casting process. The company seeks to automate numerous steps and utilize data-driven software to optimize production workflows. Currently, Fabri works with materials including aluminum, copper, bronze, C71500, and various steels, with plans to expand into nickel alloys such as IN713C and Mar-M247. The current casting size limitation is 7 x 13 x 15.75 inches.
The company has secured ITAR registration and achieved CMMC Level 2 cybersecurity validation, along with JCP Enhanced Validation, underscoring its commitment to compliance and security. This focus is particularly relevant as the U.S. Department of Defense has identified castings as a top-tier defense priority, highlighting the strategic importance of modernizing domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The $13.5 million investment was led by notable venture capital firms including Lavrock Ventures, Balerion Space Ventures, RTX Ventures, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Marlinspike, Tenon Ventures, and SBXi, a consortium of investors backing MIT founders. The participation of defense industry giants like RTX and Lockheed Martin, who also invested in Fabri's $5 million round in 2024, signals strong industry confidence in the company's mission.
Fabri's initiative represents a significant push to bridge traditional manufacturing with modern additive techniques. By applying automation and 3D printing to investment casting, they aim to reduce lead times and labor costs, crucial for defense and aerospace sectors requiring rapid, reliable part production. This aligns with broader industry trends towards digitalizing manufacturing and securing domestic supply chains for critical components.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.