Baker Industries (Lincoln Electric)
Large-scale metal 3D printing services (WAAM) with proprietary SculptPrint™ 1500 technology enabling parts up to 10ft×10ft×7ft; integrated CNC machining and tooling for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications.
- CEO / Founder
- Joe Baker
- Team Size
- 201-500
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- Undisclosed
- Latest Round
- Acquired - Undisclosed - April 2019
- Key Investors
- Lincoln Electric
Technology & Products
Key Products
Large-scale wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) services using proprietary SculptPrint™ software and systems. Capabilities include printing parts up to 8-foot cube (expandable via joining), 26 large-format robotic WAAM systems operating 24/7, handling components up to 20,000 lbs. Materials: mild steel, high-strength low-alloy steel, 410 NiMo and 17-4 stainless, nickel alloys 617 and 625, iron-nickel 36, and 70/30 copper-nickel. Integrated CNC machining, fabrication, and inspection services.
Technological Advantage
Moat: Proprietary SculptPrint™ software and robotic cell integration (patented, trade secret). Defensibility: Lincoln Electric controls power sources, wire feedstock, automation, and software—competitors cannot replicate end-to-end supply chain. Speed advantage: WAAM deposition rate 10-20x faster than powder-bed fusion (3-5 kg/hr vs <0.5 kg/hr); lead time reduction from 40+ weeks (casting) to 2-4 weeks typical. Cost: 30-40% lower tooling cost vs. traditional casting for aerospace brackets. Material efficiency: Near-net-shape reduces machining waste by 60-70% vs. forged blanks.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces aerospace bracket production lead time from 14 weeks to 3 days and cost by 40% ($850→$510/unit); casting alternatives (40-52 weeks lead time) replaced by near-net-shape WAAM parts in weeks; integrated hybrid manufacturing (WAAM + 5-axis CNC) eliminates multi-supplier workflows.
How They Differentiate
Build volume advantage: Baker's 10ft×10ft×7ft chamber vs. industry average 6ft×4ft×3ft. Hybrid integration: Only provider combining WAAM + 5-axis CNC in-house (competitors use external machining). Lead time: 2-4 weeks vs. 8-12 weeks for competitors (40% faster). Materials range: Multi-material WAAM capability vs. single-material competitors. Defense track record: 5+ years Navy aircraft carrier program (key reference customer).
Market & Competition
Target Customers
OEM and Tier-1 aerospace, defense, energy, and automotive manufacturers
Industry Verticals
Aerospace; Defense; Automotive; Energy and Power Generation; Oil and Gas; Heavy Equipment; Rail and Transportation; Medical Equipment
Competitors
WAAM-based competitors: MX3D, RAMLAB, WAAM3D. Traditional large-part manufacturers: casting and forging foundries.
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Revenue est. $50-80M annually (based on 285 employees, $175K-280K per-employee benchmark); Lincoln Electric automation division annualized sales at acquisition ~$500M (2019). Workforce expanded from 105 (early 2020s) to 285 employees. Named 2025 Impact 100 Award by Emergent Defense Magazine; Named 2024 Best Workplaces in Defense.
Major Milestones
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Notable Customers
Lockheed Martin (received Outstanding Small Business Award pre-acquisition), US Navy (5+ years Navy aircraft carrier program)