en.Wedoany.com Reported - U.S.-based Carbon recently announced the designation of Taiwan's DDK Group as its first tier-one contract manufacturer in Asia, responsible for the production and final assembly of 3D-printed lattice structure saddles. This arrangement consolidates additive manufacturing and assembly processes within a single facility, altering a supply chain model that Carbon had not previously adopted in Asia.
Founded in Taiwan in 1970, DDK Group has been deeply engaged in bicycle saddle manufacturing for over five decades. Its capabilities cover complete processes including frame forming, padding systems, cover materials, suspension mechanisms, and rail specifications. This vertically integrated strength naturally aligns with Carbon's requirements for partners, extending beyond the printing stage to deliver finished saddles directly to brand customers.
Carbon CEO Phil DeSimone commented on this: "3D-printed saddles are no longer novelty items found only in flagship stores; they have become an essential component within brand product matrices. Our customers need partners who can deliver at scale, with the right capabilities in the right regions. DDK opens a faster pathway from design to rider, and enables more riders, budget levels, and skill tiers to access the performance experience offered by 3D printing." Carbon's Digital Light Synthesis technology has already driven the production of nearly one million 3D-printed saddles, with market demand exceeding existing capacity. DDK's addition will supplement dedicated manufacturing resources in Asia, filling the gap by leveraging supply chain and cost structure advantages close to original equipment manufacturers.
By consolidating printing and assembly within the same facility, DDK aims to reduce connection points in the supply chain, helping brand customers shorten their time-to-market. This layout also provides a gateway into the OEM market, where mass-market bicycle programs have previously struggled to adopt 3D-printed saddles due to volume thresholds and cost pressures. DDK's material system encompasses PVC, vinyl, leather, Kevlar covers, as well as steel, titanium, and carbon fiber rails, enabling it to serve a wide range of bicycle brands already utilizing the Carbon platform.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
