a-metal
An affordable, compact, and safe entry-level metal 3D printer using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) technology, specifically designed to democratize metal additive manufacturing for small and medium enterprises.
- CEO / Founder
- Stephan Steiner
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- $2.63M
- Latest Round
- Seed
- Key Investors
- QBIT Capital, Zürcher Kantonalbank, Swissortholab, Kickfund, CADFEM
Technology & Products
Key Products
Entry-level metal 3D printer using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) technology, featuring a proprietary cartridge-based powder handling system.
Technological Advantage
Combines proprietary L-PBF technology with innovative cartridge architecture to create a compact, affordable system that fits in existing workshops without requiring specialized facilities. The design prioritizes safety through enclosed powder handling and simplicity through intuitive software, enabling operation by non-specialist personnel.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Eliminates barriers to metal 3D printing adoption by providing an affordable, compact system that requires no specialized laboratory infrastructure, expensive facility modifications, or expert personnel, enabling SMEs to produce prototypes and small series in-house safely and efficiently.
How They Differentiate
Proprietary cartridge-based powder handling system that eliminates traditional powder feeder requirements, enabling significantly more compact footprint and safer operation without requiring specialized laboratory infrastructure or expert personnel
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), manufacturing workshops, dental laboratories, tooling companies, aerospace component manufacturers, and educational/research institutions
Industry Verticals
["Dental","Tooling","Aerospace","Manufacturing","Education & Research","Industrial Prototyping"]
Competitors
Xact Metal; One Click Metal; 2OneLab (Desktop Metal)
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Oversubscribed seed round; pilot program launched with 8 pre-paying customers; delivering machines to customers in dental, tooling, and aerospace sectors
Major Milestones
["Won CHF 150,000 Venture Kick final stage award (2023)","Secured 8 pre-paying pilot customers across dental, tooling, and aerospace sectors (Q2 2024)","Successfully closed oversubscribed CHF 2.1M seed round led by QBIT Capital (Sep 2025)","Commenced pilot program with customer deliveries (2024)"]
Notable Customers
Dental laboratories (pilot); Tooling companies (pilot); Aerospace component manufacturers (pilot)