It seems that CASTOR is no more.
The startup company’s founder, Omer Blaier, announced on LinkedIn that the company was shutting down:
“I am writing to share that after an incredible eight-year journey, last week marked the end of CASTOR (as most of you know it).”
CASTOR was a company with an interesting service. They didn’t make 3D printers, but they helped companies begin using 3D print technology. Their decision management system allowed customers to make intelligent choices about which parts should be made using additive techniques.
This is quite a problem for companies with large part design inventories. Companies would simply upload CAD models of their parts and CASTOR’s system would evaluate them against a number of AM processes, producing a useful report.
https://www.fabbaloo.com/2020/05/castor-assists-the-transition-to-additive-manufacturing
They’ve been on quite a ride, including investment from Xerox, a partnership with UltiMaker, introduction of a method to analyze 2D part diagrams, and reporting on the potential emissions generated when switching to additive.
It’s not entirely clear the reason for the shutdown, but Blaier wrote:
“CASTOR served as proof that even with a great idea, a dedicated team, a lovable product, and a large number of paying customers, navigating the unstable environment we live in requires more than that…”
This is quite true. Today the AM industry is in a state where there are a few winners and everyone else seems to be losing. Customers are focusing on certain solutions, and this has led to the collapse of quite a number of AM companies that have sold their assets, exited the business, pivoted to other products or simply shut down.
But trying is better than not trying, and I am certain that Blaier and team learned an enormous amount during the CASTOR period. Their next venture will take those lessons forward.
Via LinkedIn
