AMFREE
Large-scale hybrid additive manufacturing machines using patented laser-wire DED (Directed Energy Deposition) technology for producing and repairing industrial metal parts up to 5 meters in length.
- CEO / Founder
- Nicolas Villedary
- Team Size
- 1-10
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- $3.3M
- Latest Round
- Strategic Investment
- Key Investors
- Aperam Ventures, Bpifrance, SEMIA, Quest for Change, Région Grand Est, French Government i-Lab Competition
Technology & Products
Key Products
AMFREE One - Large-scale hybrid DED machine, Patented laser-wire DED technology platform, Integrated CAD/CAM software solutions, Process monitoring and quality control systems, Application development and qualification services
Technological Advantage
High deposition rates (up to 10kg/h) with superior metallurgical quality; hybrid architecture combining additive manufacturing, CNC machining, and inspection in one system; modular design with high-performance robots reaching 3 meters and configurable linear track lengths; fully compatible and standardized software/hardware ecosystem enabling transferable production across sites and users.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Enables non-specialist operators to produce certified large-scale metal parts (up to 5m length) cost-effectively with turnkey hybrid solutions that combine additive manufacturing, machining, and inspection in a single platform, drastically simplifying supply chains and reducing hidden costs.
How They Differentiate
Patented laser-wire DED technology featuring independent energy management and wire feed control with ultra-wide operating window. Only company offering standardized, turnkey hybrid machines (additive manufacturing + machining + inspection) designed specifically for operation by non-AM specialists, eliminating hidden costs typically associated with industrial additive manufacturing adoption.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Aerospace, defense, energy, railway manufacturers and MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) companies requiring large, high-value industrial metal parts
Industry Verticals
Aerospace, Defense, Energy, Railways, Industrial Manufacturing, MRO Services
Competitors
WAAM3D; AML3D; Lincoln Electric Additive Solutions
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Commercial phase - AMFREE One launched Formnext 2024; i-Lab 2024 win; Aperam Ventures strategic investment (Mar 2025); Service Center opened Strasbourg 2026; active at Global Industrie 2026 and Formnext 2026 exhibitor
Major Milestones
Founded as 5th spin-off from IREPA LASER (July 2023), Won i-Lab 2024 innovation competition with up to €600K grant potential, AMFREE One large-scale hybrid DED machine debuted at Formnext 2024, Secured strategic investment from Aperam Ventures (March 2025), Opened Service Center in Strasbourg (2026), Exhibited at Global Industrie 2026; listed exhibitor Formnext 2026, Developed machines capable of producing parts up to 5m length with 10kg/h deposition rate
Notable Customers
Aerospace sector clients; Defense industry; Energy sector manufacturers; Railway manufacturers