DDK’s facility brings additive manufacturing of latticed saddles and final saddle assembly together under one roof in Asia — a first-of-its-kind model for Carbon in the region. By consolidating each step of the saddle supply chain in a single location, DDK aims to compress customer time-to-market and unlock the efficiencies that come with vertical integration of the supply chain.
The partnership comes as 3D-printed saddles have shifted from a flagship product to a portfolio essential across leading saddle brands. Carbon’s technology has now enabled the production of nearly one million 3D-printed saddles, and demand continues to outpace existing capacity. Adding a Tier 1 contract manufacturer focused exclusively on saddle production, with the capabilities of delivering a completely assembled saddle, is a critical step in meeting demand.
“Bringing DDK online as the first Tier 1 supplier dedicated to printing saddles on the Carbon platform is a defining moment for the category,” said Phil DeSimone, Chief Executive Officer, Carbon. “3D-printed saddles are no longer a flagship novelty — they’re a must-have in brand portfolios, and our customers need partners who can deliver them at scale, in the right geographies, with the right capabilities. DDK opens the door to a faster path from design to rider, and brings 3D-printed performance within reach of a much wider range of riders, budgets, and skill levels.”
By expanding manufacturing capacity in Asia, the partnership broadens geographic access to 3D-printed saddle production and creates a foundation for future entry into the OEM market — making the technology more accessible to brands and end consumers alike.
About Carbon
Carbon is a leader in 3D printing technology, enabling companies to develop superior products and bring them to market faster. The Carbon DLS™ process, utilizing state-of-the-art printers, advanced software, and high-quality materials, empowers engineers and designers to surpass conventional expectations in product development. Carbon’s innovative solutions support prototyping, low-volume production, and scale production, offering a robust network for printing functional end-use parts as needed. Headquartered in Redwood City, CA, Carbon is dedicated to advancing the future of manufacturing. To learn more, visit www.carbon3d.com.
Founded in 1970, DDK Group is a world-leading manufacturer of high-performance bicycle saddles. Guided by the core values of “Integrity, Quality, Excellence, and Innovation,” DDK leverages over 50 years of industry expertise to provide highly customized solutions across diverse segments, including Racing, MTB, Trekking, and City commuting.
Distinguished from traditional assembly plants, DDK Group possesses robust vertical integration capabilities across the entire supply chain. The group maintains full internal control over critical technical processes—from foam manufacturing and cover processing to plastic injection and metalwork. By combining our position as a global leader in saddle production volume with significant economies of scale, we not only ensure meticulous product detail but also deliver the most competitive market solutions for our partners. DDK continues to set new industry benchmarks for rider comfort and manufacturing excellence.
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