Company Profile
Simplify3D
Company Overview
Simplify3D launched in 2013 as a Cincinnati based start-up and is now the #1 commercial provider of 3D printing software worldwide. Leading the industry through innovation, we offer state-of-the-art software that drives hundreds of different 3D printer brands. Customers around the world use Simplify3D in a variety of industries, including healthcare, prototyping, product design and education. Be part of this exciting, dynamic industry and see how 3D printing is fueling the future of innovation!
Company History
Nearly a decade ago, our CEO got his first taste of 3D printing while studying Engineering at Purdue University. At that time, 3D printers were still very expensive and were typically only accessible to skilled technicians. Purdue offered a Computer Aided Design (CAD) course that allowed students to design digital models on their computers, and then fabricate those models using one of the SLA 3D printers at the university. “I remember having to pay almost $20 to use the machine and waiting about 3 weeks to receive the finished parts”, he recounted. “The parts were quite brittle and if something went wrong, you were stuck waiting several more weeks before you could get a replacement”. Despite these constraints, watching a digital design come to life in a real physical part was a transformative experience, and he quickly started looking at ways to make this technology more accessible.
Our CEO became part of the early group of pioneers in the personal 3D printing sector, working to lay a foundation for an industry. There were no off-the-shelf machines or kits that could be purchased at that time, so Webster designed and fabricated his first 3D printer in his college dorm room. “After building the printer, raw materials were also an issue. I had to convince a local plastics company to create a small batch of specialty filament that would work with this new type of 3D printer. It was expensive, but it worked!”
The next 2 years were spent on electronics and control systems development. One of his largest contributions during this time was the development of the printer firmware that handles communication, motor control, sensors and printer kinematics. This code was released to the open-source community and many printers on the market today are still powered by a variant of this firmware. With an intimate knowledge of hardware, electronics, and firmware control systems, Webster turned his efforts to software, the final piece of the puzzle.
Simplify3D was founded in 2013 when the desktop 3D printing segment was beginning to emerge. Industrial 3D printing had been in use for almost 30 years, but due to a very high cost of entry, the technology was only being utilized by trained technicians in well-funded corporate environments. The emergence of desktop printers made 3D printing accessible to a much broader audience. The new printers were smaller, more user friendly, and could be purchased for a fraction of the cost. The desktop 3D printing market was taking root, but there was a need for reliable software to make the most of this new technology.
Unlike most startups today, Simplify3D was bootstrapped without any outside funding. Their continued drive to deliver best-in-class software resulted in worldwide adoption that has allowed the company to grow organically.
Simplify3D is proudly located in Cincinnati with offices that have continually expanded since its founding in 2013. Today, entering the company’s 7th year, the Blue Ash facility now houses multiple 3D printer labs containing one of the largest collections of 3D printer brands in the world.
Other Notable Dates
February, 2014 - Release of Simplify3D Version 2.0
December, 2014 - Release of Simplify3D Version 2.2
2015 - Cincinnati Business Courier 2015 Most Promising Startup Award
June, 2015 - Release of Simplify3D Version 3.0
November 2015 - Print Quality Troubleshooting Guide Published
2016 - Lead Magazine Emerging Business Award
June, 2016 - Release of Simplify3D Version 3.1
October, 2016 - Simplify3D Adds Multi-Language Support
2017 - Named one of The 10 Most innovative 3D Printing Solution Providers by Insights Success Magazine
July, 2017 - Release of Simplify3D Version 4.0
January, 2018 - Simplify3D Launches Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide
November, 2018 - Release of Simplify3D Version 4.1
2019 - Finalist for the Cincinnati Business Courier 2019 Best Software Product
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
“Most Innovative 3D Printing Companies of 2017” Insights Success 2017
“Emerging Business Award” Lead Magazine 2016
“Most Promising Start Up” Cincinnati Business Courier 2015
Finalist for the Cincinnati Business Courier 2019 Best Software Product
Benefits
Simplify3D offers a flexible work environment with core hours that allow you to work around your personal schedule. We offer a full benefit package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short- and Long-Term Disability as well as generous Paid-Time-Off and 401(k) plan with match. Our tuition reimbursement program will help you grow your knowledge and skills. Participate in monthly all-company social outings geared to build friendships and celebrate our success.