Fluent Metal Is Our 2024 Startup of the Year

2024 saw the rise of many groundbreaking startups leveraging additive manufacturing—but which one stands out above the rest? We featured a remarkable company each month, showcasing innovations ranging from personalized medical solutions to transformative manufacturing techniques. In December, we introduced the twelve Startup of the Year nominees and invited you to cast your vote. After weeks of anticipation, the results are finally in. With 493 out of 2,119 votes, Fluent Metal has claimed the title!

The American company Fluent Metal specializes in a metal additive manufacturing process that involves using ultra-thin metal wire, comparable to the width of a human hair, to deposit metal droplets precisely. The technology is compatible with many materials, including copper, silver, stainless steel, and even tungsten. Amazingly, it enables the production of fully or nearly finished parts with minimal need for post-processing.

The Fluent Metal process has a number of benefits

Peter Schmitt, the founder and CEO of Fluent Metal, explained that one of the technology’s key advantages is its ease of operation—offering quick setup, seamless material switching and low overall costs. Remarkably, the technology can use standard wire, meaning it is safe to handle, broadly available and can be used efficiently without waste. Unlike traditional metal 3D printing, which often demands costly safety measures, Fluent Metal’s technique can be carried out efficiently in a standard manufacturing environment. This scalability opens the door to a wide range of applications. Fluent Metal is currently focusing on industrial sectors such as defense, aerospace, and mobility, as well as consumer goods like jewelry.

If you caught our coverage of Formnext 2024, you might remember that metal was everywhere, indicating a steady growth of metals in additive manufacturing. Fluent Metal is poised to contribute to that narrative, and we look forward to seeing how the technology impacts the industry.