Formlabs Sets Sights on Scaling with Former Cognex CEO; Carl Bass Steps Down
•February 17, 2026
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Why It Matters
Willett’s expertise could help Formlabs scale globally and improve profitability, while Bass’s departure signals a leadership refresh as the company targets a software‑like growth model in additive manufacturing.
Key Takeaways
- •Rob Willett joins Formlabs board.
- •Willett brings 30 years industrial automation experience.
- •Carl Bass steps down after seven years.
- •Formlabs leads SLA and SLS market share.
- •Goal: scale hardware production like software.
Pulse Analysis
Rob Willett’s appointment marks a strategic inflection point for Formlabs. The former Cognex CEO spent two decades turning a niche machine‑vision firm into a billion‑dollar enterprise, mastering the complexities of hardware scaling, supply‑chain coordination, and global market penetration. His MIT‑rooted background aligns with Formlabs’ own origins, offering boardroom insight that could streamline the company’s push to replicate software‑style growth in the physical‑product space.
Formlabs already commands the largest share of professional SLA and SLS 3D printers, with its devices having produced more than 500 million parts across product development, manufacturing, and healthcare applications. The company’s ambition to make hardware production as fast, affordable, and iterative as software development hinges on expanding production capacity, broadening material portfolios, and integrating advanced automation—areas where Willett’s track record is directly relevant. By embedding his operational rigor, Formlabs hopes to tighten margins and accelerate its transition from a breakthrough startup to an enduring manufacturing platform.
The broader additive‑manufacturing landscape stands to feel the ripple effects. As Formlabs scales, it could pressure competitors to enhance their own hardware‑software ecosystems and accelerate the shift toward digital production lines. Investors will watch the company’s ability to translate board expertise into measurable revenue growth, while enterprises across aerospace, automotive, and medical sectors anticipate more accessible, high‑performance fabrication tools. Ultimately, Willett’s influence may help define the next era of rapid, decentralized manufacturing.
Formlabs sets sights on scaling with former Cognex CEO; Carl Bass steps down
Formlabs has appointed Rob Willett, former CEO of Cognex Corporation, to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.
The 3D printing company aims to tap into Willett’s 30-plus years of leadership experience in industrial automation, machine vision, and global operations to support its ambitions to scale globally.
In the same announcement, Formlabs said Carl Bass, the former Autodesk CEO who joined its Board in 2017, will step down. Natan Linder, Chairman of the Board at Formlabs, thanked Bass for his "strategic clarity, bold ambition, and deep empathy for builders and designers."
On Willett’s appointment, Linder commented, “There is a strong MIT-rooted heritage connecting Cognex and Formlabs, two companies built at the intersection of software, hardware, and manufacturing. As Formlabs continues its evolution from breakthrough startup to enduring manufacturing platform, his experience scaling complex hardware and automation companies will be invaluable.”
Formlabs currently has the biggest market share for sales of professional SLA and SLS 3D printers. Its machines are said to have been used to print more 500 million parts for applications in product development, manufacturing, and healthcare. With a long-term vision of making hardware production as fast, affordable, and scalable as software development, in a press release, the company noted Willett’s role in taking Cognex, a U.S. manufacturer of machine vision systems, software and sensors, through sustained expansion to become a profitable, billion-dollar company in advanced manufacturing.
“Formlabs has built an industry-leading platform at the intersection of manufacturing hardware, software, and materials,” said Willett. “The company is uniquely positioned to drive the next era of digital production by making powerful fabrication tools more accessible without sacrificing performance. I’m excited to join the Board of Directors and help guide the company as it continues to scale globally.”
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#41 Additive Insight: Formlabs CEO on becoming a leader in 3D printing
On this week’s episode of Additive Insight, TCT Deputy Group Editor Laura Griffiths is joined by Max Lobovsky, Co-founder and CEO of leading 3D printing company Formlabs.
TCTTCT Team
](https://www.tctmagazine.com/podcasts/41-additive-insight-formlabs-ceo-max-lobovsky-3d-printing/)
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