Hawk Ridge Systems and M5D form 3D printing alliance

Key Takeaways

• Hawk Ridge Systems and M5D have formed a strategic alliance to streamline the end‑to‑end experience for 3D‑printing and scanning customers.
• The partnership leverages Hawk Ridge’s full‑stack portfolio (hardware, software, training) and M5D’s 80‑year legacy in print technology, sales, engineering, and support.
• Customers gain a single point of contact that can recommend the optimal printer, handle quoting, manage fulfillment, and provide ongoing technical assistance.
• The alliance continues to showcase leading additive‑manufacturing brands such as Stratasys and Markforged, each with distinct performance characteristics.

Alliance Overview

Hawk Ridge Systems announced a collaborative agreement with M5D to deliver a more connected, “one‑stop‑shop” experience for users of industrial‑grade 3D printers and scanners. The joint effort covers the entire project lifecycle—from technology selection and application planning through order fulfillment, on‑site installation, and post‑sale technical support.

Hawk Ridge Systems – The Integration Hub

Full‑Spectrum Portfolio

• Hardware – Offers a curated selection of additive‑manufacturing machines, including Stratasys FDM/PolyJet systems and Markforged carbon‑fiber printers.
• Software – Provides proprietary design‑to‑manufacture (DtM) tools, workflow orchestration, and post‑processing suites.
• Services – Includes on‑site training, certification programs, and a dedicated customer success team.

Hawk Ridge remains the primary relationship manager, ensuring that each client’s requirements are matched with the most suitable equipment and services across its catalog.

M5D – The Execution Engine

With nearly eight decades of experience in print technology, M5D contributes the operational muscle of the alliance:

The result is a seamless hand‑off: Hawk Ridge introduces the client to the appropriate M5D specialist, who then picks up the conversation without requiring the customer to repeat details.

Simplified Customer Journey

1. Initial Consultation – Hawk Ridge assesses the project scope and recommends a printer family (e.g., Stratasys or Markforged).
2. Technical Deep‑Dive – An M5D applications engineer validates the design, runs simulation checks, and finalizes material choices.
3. Quote & Order – M5D issues a detailed quotation, including optional training and service contracts.
4. Delivery & Installation – Certified technicians ship the equipment and perform on‑site commissioning.
5. Ongoing Support – Both partners share a ticketing platform for warranty claims, firmware updates, and performance tuning.

Technology Spotlight: Stratasys vs. Markforged

Both brands remain central to Hawk Ridge’s catalog, allowing the alliance to match performance, cost, and material needs precisely to each application.

Benefits of the Strategic Partnership

• Reduced Lead Times: Integrated quoting and logistics cut order‑to‑delivery cycles by up to 30 %.
• Single Point of Accountability: Customers interact with one coordinator rather than juggling multiple vendors.
• Technical Depth: Access to M5D’s seasoned applications engineers ensures optimal part geometry and material selection.
• Scalable Support: Joint service contracts cover everything from routine calibration to emergency repairs, minimizing machine downtime.

Bottom Line

The Hawk Ridge Systems–M5D alliance creates a unified front for industrial additive manufacturing, merging Hawk Ridge’s comprehensive hardware/software ecosystem with M5D’s decades‑long expertise in sales, engineering, and support. By streamlining the procurement process and offering expert guidance across the full product spectrum—including top‑tier Stratasys and Markforged machines—customers can accelerate development cycles, reduce total cost of ownership, and achieve higher‑quality printed parts with confidence. This partnership sets a new benchmark for end‑to‑