Case Study: Confederate Motors achieves radical design freedom and production-ready performance with 3D Systems

Confederate Motors Works With 3D Systems to Push Limits of Motorcycle Production

Confederate Motors, a 25‑year‑old boutique motorcycle maker famed for its “skeletal minimalism,” designs exclusive models in small batches (~60 units) and constantly pushes radical aesthetics and performance. The company’s challenge was turning ambitious, highly detailed concepts into accurate, manufacturable parts—hundreds of prototypes, molds and production components (including 140‑piece assembly kits and carbon‑fiber elements)—quickly, reliably and without committing to costly tooling.

Partnering with 3D Systems On Demand Manufacturing (Quickparts) gave Confederate a one‑stop solution: SLA and SLS prototyping, Accura PEAK masters for carbon parts, QuickCutCNC and CNC milling, integrated sheet‑metal fabrication and JIT assembly kits. The result was faster, more accurate prototype‑to‑production transitions (the G2 P51 prototype finished ahead of schedule), improved part fit and finish, greater design freedom to iterate, and a high‑performance P51 Combat Fighter that earned strong critical praise.

Confederate Motors

Matt Chambers

Chief Executive Officer and Founder