What is Forge?
3D printing promises to change the way we live and how we make and consumer goods. It is forecast that the 3D printing market is to become a multibillion-dollar industry in the next decade1. 3D printing has become commonplace in areas such as pre-production prototyping, small-scale bespoke manufacturing and with enthusiasts. Nevertheless, the lack of a compelling 3D printing value proposition is hindering the mass adoption of 3D printing and limiting growth in the industry.
Forge is a UK based development stage company innovating in 3D printing supply chain and blockchain solutions. We believe that a step change is possible by providing a content-rich 3D printing ecosystem with decentralised, on-demand production, using a blockchain driven open-membership platform and a cryptocurrency payment/reward system.
The Forge platform will utilise the Ethereum2 blockchain and the Forge token (FMX), which will be purchased in ether and used as a native digital currency within the Forge platform – see Figure 1.
The Forge platform will use the Interplanetary File System (IPFS) 3 to deliver a secure and immutable solution for distributed file storage, integrated with the blockchain to ensure the authenticity of content and to protect copyright and intellectual property.
The Forge platform will offer various membership subscription options payable in FMX and will allow a community comprising client manufacturers, 3D designers, vendors and consumers to interact and transact according to their needs. The platform will allow the following:
- Clients will be able to access and utilise a global extended supply chain of 3D printing service vendors.
- Vendors will be able to select work from clients, fulfil orders and receive payment in FMX, with trust ensured on both sides.
- Designers will be rewarded for uploading and sharing their 3D designs and are able to accept design challenges leading to bounty payments in FMX.
- Consumers will be able to find 3D printable solutions for printing themselves, or by a vendor.