3D4MEC

HardwareSasso Marconi, Bologna, ItalyFounded 2016· One of 1757 Hardware companies tracked by AMPulse

First Italian company specialized in industrial metal 3D printing systems using L-PBF (Laser Powder Bed Fusion) technology, offering specialized printers for steel and brass components.

CEO / Founder: Fabrizio Marino Corsini
Team Size: 11-50
Stage: Active
Total Funding: $13.5M
Key Investors: AU.TE.BO. Group (Parent company/Founding entity)

Technology & Products

Key Products

["3D4STEEL - First specialized L-PBF system for non-reactive steel powders","3D4BRASS - World's first and only 3D printer for lead-free brass components","3D4YOU - Feasibility studies and technical evaluation services","3D4MATION - Advanced additive manufacturing training academy","CorSystem - Proprietary superfast 3D printing production methodology"]

Technological Advantage

Combines patented close powder recycle system (reducing consumable costs and setup times), open powder system (compatible with any market-available metal powder), and CorSystem methodology enabling superfast production specifically optimized for each material family rather than general-purpose printing.

Differentiation

Value Proposition

Specialized metal 3D printers that reduce production time by over 66% for steel components while lowering operating costs through patented powder recycling technology and material-specific optimization.

How They Differentiate

Only manufacturer of material-specific L-PBF systems with world's first brass 3D printer (3D4BRASS) and specialized steel printer (3D4STEEL), featuring patented close powder recycle system and CorSystem methodology for 66% faster production, challenging the industry approach of general-purpose multi-material machines with material-optimized solutions that deliver lower operating costs and higher production efficiency.

Market & Competition

Target Customers

Industrial manufacturers requiring metal components, including mechanical engineering companies, OEMs, and production facilities in traditional industrial sectors

Industry Verticals

["Automotive","Aerospace","Mechanical Automation","Mechanical Manufacturing","Valve and Faucet Manufacturing"]

Competitors

EOS GmbH; Nikon SLM Solutions; Trumpf

Growth & Milestones

Growth Metrics

Revenue of €730.5k (2021) growing to estimated $3M; Active commercial stage with equipment sales; Strategic R&D partnerships with leading research institutions (Fraunhofer IAPT 2024); Equipment supply partnerships with industrial service providers (WeAreAM 2023)

Major Milestones

["Founded as first Italian company specialized in industrial metal 3D printing systems (January 2016)","Developed and launched 3D4STEEL - first specialized L-PBF system for non-reactive steel powders","Created world's first 3D printer for lead-free brass components (3D4BRASS)","Invented and patented CorSystem production methodology for superfast 3D printing","Strategic equipment supply partnership with WeAreAM Srl for 3D4STEEL and 3D4BRASS systems (December 2023)","R&D collaboration with Fraunhofer IAPT for advanced in-situ optical monitoring system development (October 2024)","Technology partnership with Thetascan for process control systems (2024)"]

Notable Customers

WeAreAM Srl (Italian metal AM service provider); COESIA Group (35+ year supplier relationship through AU.TE.BO. SpA)

https://3d4mec.com

Why this company matters

3D4MEC occupies a niche in metal additive manufacturing by building LPBF systems optimized for specific material families rather than general-purpose multi-material machines. Founded in 2016 in Sasso Marconi, Italy, the company targets mid-market manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, mechanical automation, and valve/faucet production who need cost-effective, production-ready metal printing.

The company's core products are the 3D4STEEL, the first LPBF system specialized for non-reactive steel powders, and the 3D4BRASS, the world's first 3D printer capable of processing lead-free brass powders. Both systems incorporate a patented close powder recycle system that reduces consumable costs and setup times, plus an open powder system compatible with any market-available metal powder. The proprietary CorSystem methodology enables what the company describes as superfast production, claiming a 66% reduction in production time for steel components compared to general-purpose alternatives.

3D4MEC serves industrial OEMs and production facilities, with named customers including Italian metal AM service provider WeAreAM Srl and the COESIA Group, a long-standing partner through parent company AU.TE.BO. SpA. The company has raised €12.5 million and reported revenue of €730.5k in 2021, with estimated growth to $3 million. A 2024 R&D collaboration with Fraunhofer IAPT focuses on developing an advanced in-situ optical monitoring system, and a technology partnership with Thetascan targets process control improvements.

The company's material-specific strategy challenges the dominant approach of EOS, Nikon SLM Solutions, and Trumpf, which offer multi-material platforms. While this specialization may limit addressable market size, it could appeal to manufacturers seeking lower operating costs and higher throughput for steel and brass components. The key open question is whether the performance advantage in these two material families is sufficient to drive adoption beyond early customers and into broader industrial production.