Stealth Keys, 3D printing high security metal keys

In 2015, we presented a promising initiative for the lock industry: the Swiss start-up UrbanAlps presented its 3D printed key, impossible to digitise and therefore copy. Since then, the company has grown significantly, raised $2.5 million and its Stealth Keys are beginning to be commercialised. Created through selective laser fusion, they should be much safer than traditional keys because their internal structures is too complicated to copy. We met with its CEO and co-founder Alejandro Ojeda to learn more about the key manufacturing process and the benefits of such technology for the industry.

3DN: Can you introduce yourself and your relationship to additive manufacturing?

My name is Alejandro Ojeda and I am the CEO and co-founder of UrbanAlps Switzerland. We are the creators of Stealth Key, the first 3D printed metal key. It hides its mechanical security functions inside its structure, making it impossible to scan: the copy is therefore protected. Our objective is to transform a century-old industry that is used to drilling holes in metal sheets by offering an additive manufacturing solution.

Alejandro Ojeda

3DN: Can you tell us more about the manufacture of Stealth Keys?

We manufacture our Stealth Keys by selective laser fusion from an alloy of materials. This not only gives incredible internal complexities, but also gives a greater order of magnitude than standard wrenches, better rust resistance and higher lightness. You can throw them in the sea or in an oven, they will not move. The Stealth Keys put additive manufacturing in everyone’s pocket, a definite advantage for the 3D printing industry!