Case Study: American Wind achieves rapid prototype-to-production MicroCube development with 3D Systems Quickparts

American Wind uses 3D printing from Quickparts to defy ‘bigger is better’ argument for wind turbines

American Wind, founded by Robert Yost, set out to challenge the “bigger is better” view of wind power with the MicroCube, a 9 x 9 x 9‑inch turbine designed to generate electricity at very low wind speeds. The core challenge was proving a small, multi‑airfoil design and efficient generator could produce meaningful, reliable power while moving rapidly from concept to production without expensive tooling.

Partnering with 3D Systems’ Quickparts, American Wind used SLS 3D printing and three DuraForm materials to iterate more than 20 prototype versions, cutting development time to roughly a quarter of traditional methods. The result: production‑grade, durable parts and a patented, high‑efficiency MicroCube now deployed (four units produce about 2,800 watts to keep a Ford C‑Max Energi charged), validated designs for broader “Wind Wall” applications, and a faster, lower‑cost path to market.

American Wind

Robert Yost

American Wind