Innovating the Future: Vote for the Top 3D Printing Startup of 2021

For years, 3Dnatives has proudly showcased the groundbreaking innovations emerging from the additive manufacturing sector. Each month, we’ve introduced you to a pioneering startup – companies pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, from developing revolutionary 3D printers and advanced materials to crafting intelligent software solutions and streamlining machine distribution. These young, dynamic enterprises are not just creating new products; they are actively shaping the future of the entire industry. As the year draws to a close, it’s time for our community to recognize these trailblazers. We invite you to cast your vote for the most innovative 3D printing startup of 2021 from our curated list of monthly features. Participating is simple: scroll to the bottom of this article, review the impressive candidates, and select the company you believe most deserves the prestigious title of “3D Startup of the Year.” Don’t worry if you missed some of our monthly spotlights; we’ve compiled a comprehensive summary of each remarkable company below to help you make an informed decision. The much-anticipated results will be officially announced on January 4th, exclusively on 3Dnatives. Your vote celebrates innovation and helps us highlight the incredible progress within additive manufacturing.

Vote Now For the Startup of the Year!

#1: ICON and the Vision of 3D Printing Beyond Earth

Established in 2017, ICON quickly emerged as a leader in the specialized field of large-scale construction 3D printing. Their journey began with a remarkable milestone: the completion of their first 3D-printed house in March 2018 in Texas. Since then, this American company has achieved extraordinary progress and significantly expanded its capabilities. Today, ICON boasts an impressive portfolio of over 20 buildings constructed using their advanced gantry-type 3D printer, the Vulcan. This cutting-edge machine is capable of printing homes up to 185 square meters, utilizing their proprietary, high-performance material known as Lavacrete. Beyond terrestrial achievements, ICON has set its sights on even more ambitious frontiers. Voted 3D Startup of the Month in January 2021, the company has this year embarked on pioneering collaborations, notably with NASA, to develop sophisticated construction systems designed for off-world deployment. This visionary project aims to enable human habitats on the Moon and potentially Mars, showcasing the transformative power of additive manufacturing in space exploration. Discover more about ICON’s groundbreaking work and their futuristic vision in our exclusive interview HERE.

#2: Addiguru: Revolutionizing 3D Printing with Real-Time Monitoring Software

As additive manufacturing gained significant traction across various industrial sectors in 2019, the need for enhanced process control became increasingly apparent. Recognizing this critical gap, Shuchi Khurana founded Addiguru with a clear mission: to improve the reliability and efficiency of 3D printing. Named our 3D Startup of the Month in February 2021, Addiguru developed an innovative software solution designed to monitor the entire manufacturing process in real time. This cutting-edge technology allows operators to detect potential issues as they arise, significantly reducing printing errors, minimizing material waste, and streamlining the overall production workflow. By providing instant feedback and predictive insights, Addiguru’s platform helps to automate quality control and ensure consistent, high-quality output. Initially, the software was optimized for powder bed laser fusion processes, a common method for metal 3D printing. However, with a forward-looking approach to broader applicability, Addiguru is actively working to integrate its monitoring capabilities into other popular additive manufacturing techniques, including Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Direct Energy Deposition (DED). This expansion will bring their invaluable real-time insights to a wider range of industries and applications, solidifying their role in optimizing additive manufacturing. Dive deeper into their vision in our full interview with Shuchi Khurana HERE.

#3: xolo: Unlocking New Dimensions with Volumetric 3D Printing

Hailing from Germany, the innovative startup xolo is poised to revolutionize traditional UV curing methods with its groundbreaking volumetric 3D printing process. Termed “xolography,” this pioneering technology offers a stark departure from conventional layer-by-layer additive manufacturing, promising significantly faster production speeds, remarkably smoother surface finishes, and expanded possibilities in terms of compatible materials. To illustrate its efficiency, xolo’s xube 3D printer, powered by xolography, demonstrates an incredible ability to fabricate small parts in as little as 20 seconds, with larger, more intricate designs completed within just 5 minutes. This represents a monumental leap in manufacturing velocity, opening doors for rapid prototyping and production. The technology is compatible with a wide array of photopolymers currently used in established processes like SLA (Stereolithography) and DLP (Digital Light Processing). Currently, xolo’s cutting-edge technology is primarily targeted at the research and development community. It empowers scientists and engineers to transform complex ideas into physical realities that were previously unachievable with conventional layer-based printing methods, thus accelerating discovery and innovation across various scientific disciplines. Explore the full interview and learn more about xolography’s potential HERE.

#4: Mobile Smart Factory: Pioneering Local and On-Demand Manufacturing

The extensive disruptions to global supply chains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted an urgent need for more resilient, localized manufacturing solutions. Amidst this challenge, Mobile Smart Factory emerged as a transformative solution, earning its recognition as our 3D Startup of the Month in April 2021. This innovative company champions the concept of local manufacturing and provides parts on demand through a unique, modular factory design. Essentially, Mobile Smart Factory encapsulates a complete “mini-factory” within a standard shipping container, fully equipped with advanced 3D printing devices and often complemented by other manufacturing tools. This self-contained production unit allows for the immediate repair and manufacturing of parts whenever and wherever they are needed, drastically reducing the reliance on vast inventories or conventional physical stock. The solution is particularly well-suited for industries operating in remote locations or environments with limited logistical capabilities, such as mines, offshore oil and gas platforms, or humanitarian aid zones. By bringing production directly to the point of need, Mobile Smart Factory ensures operational continuity and significantly enhances efficiency, marking a paradigm shift in how localized production can be achieved. Johannes Schmidt, a key figure in the project, provides further insights into this game-changing approach HERE.

#5: One Click Metal: Democratizing Metal Additive Manufacturing

One Click Metal is on a mission to dismantle the traditional barriers to entry in metal additive manufacturing, making this powerful technology accessible to a far wider audience. Their strategy revolves around offering a metal 3D printing solution that is not only remarkably easy to use but also features a significantly less complex powder handling system, all while being offered at a more affordable price point. This German startup’s machines are built upon reliable laser powder bed fusion technology, making them suitable for companies of all sizes and across diverse sectors – from small-scale workshops to large industrial enterprises. What truly sets One Click Metal apart from its competitors is its unwavering focus on user experience. The young company develops comprehensive solutions that guide and support the user through every single step of the printing process, simplifying what has historically been a highly specialized and complex operation. Their ultimate vision is to empower anyone to leverage the benefits of metal additive manufacturing, quite literally, with “one click.” This commitment to accessibility and ease of use is poised to accelerate the adoption of metal 3D printing across industries. Reacquaint yourself with the aspirations of this innovative German startup in our insightful interview HERE.

#6: Readily3D: Pioneering Tomography-Based Volumetric Bioprinting

Readily3D, a dynamic young startup from Switzerland, is at the forefront of medical innovation with its revolutionary volumetric 3D printing method. This cutting-edge technology allows for the rapid creation of complex organic shapes, solidifying entire objects in a matter of seconds. As an active participant in the European ENLIGHT project, Readily3D has already showcased its remarkable capabilities through groundbreaking work on the pancreas. Utilizing their advanced volumetric printing technology, the company successfully bioprinted organic tissue derived from the organ, demonstrating a significant leap forward in the field of regenerative medicine. The company’s unique 3D printer boasts compatibility with a diverse range of light-sensitive materials, including acrylates, silicones, and hydrogels, making it incredibly versatile for various biomedical applications. Through the power of bioprinting, Readily3D envisions a future where organ parts can be rapidly produced for critical applications such as drug testing, disease modeling, and ultimately, even transplantation. This technology promises to accelerate medical research by enabling fast, controlled, and repeatable tests on bio-engineered tissues, reducing the reliance on animal testing and offering new avenues for therapeutic development. Discover the full depth of their innovation in our interview with the Startup from June 2021 HERE.

#7: Handddle: Industrializing and Structuring 3D Printing for Professionals

Located in Bordeaux, France, Handddle is a pioneering startup dedicated to bridging the gap between innovative additive manufacturing technologies and their practical, industrial integration by professionals. They address the challenges many companies face when attempting to implement 3D printing into their workflows. Handddle offers a comprehensive micro-factory solution, aptly named SmartFarm, which serves as a centralized hub for managing an entire fleet of 3D printing machines. Beyond just machine management, SmartFarm also incorporates robust post-processing solutions, ensuring that manufactured parts meet industrial standards from start to finish. Designed with the express purpose of democratizing 3D technologies for industrial use, Handddle’s solutions provide complete control over the entire manufacturing process, guaranteeing repeatability and consistent quality across diverse operational environments. The young company primarily targets businesses with in-house manufacturing requirements that are actively seeking automation and greater efficiency in their production lines. By simplifying complex additive manufacturing processes and offering scalable, integrated solutions, Handddle empowers professionals to harness the full potential of 3D printing for their specific needs, driving greater productivity and innovation. For an in-depth understanding of Handddle and its innovative solutions, read the full interview HERE.

#8: Mantle: Advanced Metal Additive Manufacturing with Paste-Based Technology

The startup Mantle made a significant splash in the additive manufacturing world by unveiling its innovative TrueShape technology. This groundbreaking metal 3D printing process distinguishes itself from other conventional methods on the market through its unique ability to utilize a specialized paste as its primary printing material. This inventive approach has unlocked an entirely new level of surface finish and precision, addressing a critical pain point in metal additive manufacturing where post-processing often remains a time-consuming and costly step. Ted Sorom, CEO and co-founder of Mantle, elaborates that TrueShape is a sophisticated hybrid process, seamlessly combining both additive and subtractive manufacturing techniques. This synergistic integration means that parts produced with TrueShape require virtually no post-processing steps, delivering near-net-shape components directly from the printer. Sorom further highlights that the use of a paste as the printing material inherently offers superior accuracy and finer feature resolution compared to traditional powder-based systems. This innovation significantly streamlines the production workflow for metal parts, particularly for tooling and complex geometries, making high-precision metal manufacturing more efficient and cost-effective. We delved deeper into Mantle’s innovative technology in our interview from August 2021 HERE.

#9: ING3D: The Potential of Mineral 3D Printing with MDLS

Based in Germany, ING3D is pioneering a novel approach to additive manufacturing with its proprietary technology known as Mineral Direct Laser Sintering (MDLS). Drawing inspiration from established powder sintering methods, this innovative 3D printing process enables the creation of exceptionally lightweight, non-flammable, and highly functional parts. Beyond its remarkable material properties, MDLS offers substantial economic advantages, drastically reducing printing costs by a factor of 10 and significantly accelerating the overall manufacturing process. ING3D’s technology operates by precisely sintering light mineral materials, such as perlite, using a CO2 laser. A key differentiator of this process is that it requires no binding agents or additives, ensuring that the raw material remains in its pure form. This purity not only simplifies material handling but also makes the disposal of parts environmentally friendly and problem-free after their useful life. Currently, MDLS is being applied in a diverse range of practical applications, including advanced furnace insulation, where its non-flammable and lightweight properties are critical, and efficient water filtration systems. David Manjura, the visionary founder of ING3D, shares more about the unique advantages and broad potential of this mineral 3D printing technology HERE.

#10: Shapeshift 3D: Empowering Customization with AI-Powered 3D Printing Platform

Shapeshift 3D, a dynamic Canadian company, was recognized as our 3D Startup of the Month in October for its pioneering work in personalized manufacturing. They offer an advanced platform specifically designed for the creation of customized sports and medical equipment, leveraging the unparalleled capabilities of 3D printing. From initial 3D scanning to the final printing stage, Shapeshift 3D’s intelligent software solution facilitates the precise manufacture of a wide array of products, including highly personalized orthotics, prosthetics, and even custom-fit bicycle helmets. What truly sets their platform apart is its optimization through artificial intelligence. Once a 3D scan or file is uploaded into the software, the AI automatically rectifies any imperfections and applies custom adjustments tailored to the individual user’s unique anatomical data or performance requirements. In essence, by combining the precision of 3D technologies with the intelligence of AI, the Canadian startup is able to deliver perfectly adapted, highly functional parts that significantly enhance user comfort, performance, and therapeutic outcomes. This revolutionary approach is transforming how personalized products are designed and manufactured, opening new possibilities for industries focused on individual needs. Dive into the full interview with the CEO to learn more about their vision HERE.

#11: Concrete 3D: Redefining Construction with Sustainable Concrete 3D Printing

The construction industry is increasingly embracing additive manufacturing as a pathway to greater efficiency, design freedom, and sustainability. Among the vanguard of this transformation is Concrete 3D, an innovative Austrian startup utilizing advanced 3D printing technology to construct a diverse range of structures, from intricate decorative elements to robust architectural components. Concrete 3D offers its clients bespoke 3D printed facade elements and unique home furniture, showcasing the versatility and aesthetic potential of their technology. By precisely applying material only where it is needed, their 3D printing process allows for the creation of lighter, yet exceptionally durable constructions. This optimized material usage significantly reduces concrete waste and, consequently, lowers CO2 emissions, contributing positively to environmental sustainability in a traditionally resource-intensive industry. Ultimately, Concrete 3D aims to provide architects, designers, and other construction professionals with entirely new perspectives and capabilities, pushing the boundaries of what is possible through the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies. Michael Gabriel, division manager at Concrete 3D, delves into the company’s innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and ambitious future plans in our detailed discussion HERE.

#12: Exponential Technologies (xT): Optimizing 3D Printing with AI and Machine Learning

To empower companies to achieve unparalleled efficiency and precision in their additive manufacturing processes, Exponential Technologies (xT) offers a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) platform and a sophisticated search management system. This pioneering startup provides solutions for optimizing machine parameters, refining material compositions, and streamlining complex experimental designs. Through the strategic application of machine learning, xT aims to accelerate the widespread adoption of additive manufacturing, helping it transition from a specialized niche to a mainstream, traditional manufacturing method. The core benefit of their AI-driven approach lies in its ability to intelligently analyze vast datasets and predict optimal machine settings. For instance, AI can be leveraged to meticulously fine-tune printer parameters, ensuring that machines operate at peak performance, maximize output quality, and minimize trial-and-error cycles. This not only saves significant time and resources in research and development but also enhances the reliability and repeatability of production. Matthias Kaiser, CEO of xT, provides an in-depth explanation of the profound value and transformative potential of machine learning in the context of advanced manufacturing HERE.

Vote Now For Your Favorite Startup of 2021! 

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These twelve startups represent the vanguard of innovation in additive manufacturing, each bringing unique solutions and pushing the boundaries of what 3D printing can achieve. From constructing homes on Earth and beyond to revolutionizing medical bioprinting and industrial process optimization, their contributions are undeniable. We are eager to hear your thoughts on these remarkable 3D printing startups from 2021. Which company do you believe has made the most significant impact or holds the greatest promise for the future? Share your insights in a comment below or engage with us on our social media channels: LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter! To stay informed about all the latest advancements in 3D printing and ensure you don’t miss future innovations, remember to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here. You can also explore a wealth of informative content and engaging interviews on our YouTube channel. Your participation helps us celebrate and promote the incredible dynamism within the additive manufacturing industry!