Aerosud
Develops and operates large-scale metal additive manufacturing systems for aerospace components, notably through the Aeroswift project to print titanium parts with world-leading build volume and speed.
- CEO / Founder
- Jaco Olivier
- Team Size
- 501-1000
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- Undisclosed
- Latest Round
- Strategic Investment - Undisclosed - June 2014
- Key Investors
- Industrial Development Corporation (IDC); Paramount Group; Government of South Africa; CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research); Bellabee Workers' Trust
Technology & Products
Key Products
Aerosud offers design, development, and production services for aviation-related programs, including structural manufacturing of aircraft, composite products, and aerostructure and aircraft interior components. They are a key supplier to major aerospace OEMs like Airbus and Boeing.
Technological Advantage
Verified advantage: Unique capability in large-format metal AM (2m x 0.6m x 0.6m build volume) for titanium aerospace parts, recognized by Airbus as the only organization doing work on high-speed, large-volume additive laser manufacturing. Defensible through project partnerships and specialized know-how.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces lead times and costs for large titanium aerospace components by enabling direct 3D printing of parts up to 2m x 0.6m x 0.6m, bypassing traditional machining and tooling.
How They Differentiate
Focuses on ultra-large build volumes (2m x 0.6m x 0.6m) for titanium aerospace parts, unlike standard metal AM systems from competitors like EOS M290 (typically <0.4m build volume); developed through government-backed Aeroswift project for high-speed production.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Aerospace OEMs (Airbus, Boeing), defense contractors, and aviation manufacturers requiring large, complex metal parts.
Industry Verticals
Aerospace; Defense
Competitors
Magellan Aerospace, Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands, Paramount Group, Denel Aeronautics
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Manufactures 1.5 million parts and assemblies annually; supplies ~2,000 parts/assemblies daily; reported revenue of $127.7 million.
Major Milestones
1990: Founded; 2011: Launched Aeroswift project with CSIR; 2015: Developed world's largest powder bed AM machine; Partnerships with Airbus and Boeing for titanium AM exploration
Notable Customers
Airbus, Boeing, BAE Systems, Agusta Westland Helicopters, Spirit AeroSystems, Safran Labinal Power Systems