Feedstock material and binder properties, along with 3D printing methods, significantly impact the mechanical properties of the printed product. That is why startups are developing novel materials to apply additive manufacturing in various use cases. Moreover, smart materials, ceramics, electronics, biomaterials, and composites find use in the development of components with advanced properties. They enable 3D printing of unconventional products like medical devices, consumer electronics, and bioartificial organs. Further, startups are extracting high-value 3D printable materials from waste streams to reduce virgin material requirements and emissions.
Italian startup f3nice offers additive manufacturing feedstock. The startup recycles valuable metals, such as steel and other alloys, to produce high-quality metal powders. Based on the customer’s requirements, f3nice prepares the metal powder in different size ranges. By employing a circular approach to AM feedstock production, the startup improves sustainability in metal 3D printing.
US-based startup Foundation Alloy creates novel alloys for 3D printing. The startup’s proprietary high-performance material design and software-enabled vertically integrated approach improve production capacity. This also enhances the efficiency and flexibility of supply chains while enabling metal part production with lesser turnaround times and energy consumption.