Air Liquide
Supplies industrial gases (argon, nitrogen, hydrogen) critical for additive manufacturing processes like laser beam melting and laser metal deposition, protecting materials and ensuring process stability.
- CEO / Founder
- Gilles Le Van
- Team Size
- 501-1000
- Stage
- Subsidiary
- Total Funding
- Undisclosed
- Key Investors
- European Commission (Innovation Fund)
Technology & Products
Key Products
Argon; Nitrogen; Hydrogen; Oxygen; Acetylene; Specialty gas mixtures
Technological Advantage
Proprietary gas purification and delivery systems ensure consistent quality for AM applications; large-scale production enables cost efficiencies and reliable supply.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Provides high-purity gases that reduce oxidation and contamination in metal AM processes, improving part quality and yield while offering reliable supply chains and technical support.
How They Differentiate
Holds ~22-24% market share in industrial gases, trailing Linde but leading in German AM gas supply with localized infrastructure and customer trust; offers tailored AM gas concepts vs. generic competitors.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Industrial manufacturers using metal AM, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics sectors
Industry Verticals
Aerospace; Automotive; Electronics; Medical; Steel and metal processing; Chemicals; Food and pharmaceuticals
Competitors
Linde; Air Products; Messer Group
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Supplies over 100,000 customers in Germany; revenue estimated at $218 million for German subsidiary; part of Air Liquide Group with global revenue of $30.6 billion.
Major Milestones
Founded in 1902; Operates 23 plants in Germany; Launched dedicated AM gas solutions; Partnerships with major industrials like BASF and Siemens
Notable Customers
BASF; Globalfoundries; Infineon; Bosch; QCells