Continental Additive Design and Manufacturing (ADaM)
A competence center offering development and optimization of structures from concept to finished product for samples and series applications using additive manufacturing.
- CEO / Founder
- Stefan Kammann
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Subsidiary
- Total Funding
- $359K
- Latest Round
- Grant
- Key Investors
- Continental AG
Technology & Products
Key Products
End-to-end additive manufacturing solutions from concept to finished product; Additive Engineering services including topological optimization and bionic structures; Prototyping (A/B/C-samples), small series production, and spare parts; 3D scanning and digital component editing; Technology portfolio: Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), and Vacuum Casting (VC); Post-processing services: CNC machining, sand blasting, painting, coating, and wire eroding; Production of specialized components: brake calipers, battery cooling units, fluid reservoirs, water pump housings, cable connectors, and sealing parts; Manufacturing of production tools, jigs, and fixtures (including ESD-compliant solutions)
Technological Advantage
Verified technological advantage through 9 patents and a multi-modal technology portfolio (SLM, SLS, SLA, FDM, VC). Defensible through proprietary topological optimization and bionic structure design. Business advantage is the captive internal demand from Continental AG's global divisions, providing a de-risked environment for scaling specialized automotive applications before external market entry.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Provides end-to-end optimization of AM structures from the concept phase to finished products for both sampling and series production.
How They Differentiate
Continental ADaM differentiates by offering 'overnight' production for critical jigs, fixtures, and replacement parts specifically for the factory floor, leveraging its proximity to automotive production lines.; Focuses on reducing 'total manufacturing cost' by integrating AM with traditional methods (CNC, injection molding) and providing cost-effective small-series production (under 1,000 units) without the need for expensive tooling.; Utilizes industrial-grade systems like the Stratasys Fortus 450mc and Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) to achieve high-precision mechanical parts suitable for automotive testing and validation.; Differentiates through access to highly specialized, automotive-certified materials such as ULTEM 9085 (flame-retardant), ABS-ESD7 (static dissipative), and high-performance metal alloys like AlSi10Mg.; While its primary FDM build volume is 406 x 355 x 406 mm, it differentiates by offering a 'complete process chain' including 3D scanning, topological optimization, and post-processing (painting, blasting, laser welding) in a single 8,000m² facility.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Internal Continental AG divisions; External automotive manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers; Industrial niche product manufacturers; Companies requiring rapid prototyping or small-series production; National and international volume manufacturers
Industry Verticals
Automotive (Passenger Cars, Commercial Vehicles, Two-Wheelers); Special Vehicles; Industrial Manufacturing; Electronics; Mechanical Engineering
Competitors
Protolabs; Materialise
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Opened 8,000 m² dedicated competence center in 2019; achieved 93% lead time reduction for functional automotive components (from 14 weeks to <1 week); parent division Continental Engineering Services (CES) generates an estimated $703.6M in annual revenue with over 1,500 employees.
Major Milestones
{"year":"1996/1997","event":"Continental Engineering Services began integrating additive manufacturing technologies into its production and design processes."}; {"year":"2019","event":"Official inauguration of the Additive Design and Manufacturing (ADaM) Competence Center in Karben, Germany, as a company-wide hub for 3D printing."}; {"year":"2020","event":"Established a partnership with Prodways Group to utilize their 3D printing technologies for tools and prototypes."}; {"year":"2021","event":"CES expanded its global footprint with new branch locations in England, Italy, and Germany to support growing demand for specialized engineering and production services."}; {"year":"2024","event":"Showcased advanced additive manufacturing capabilities, including bionic structures and sustainable industrial 3D printing, at Formnext 2024."}
Notable Customers
Continental AG (Internal divisions including Automotive, Rubber, ContiTech, and Tires); Italian manufacturers of limited production series; Niche and special vehicle manufacturers; External customers in the automotive, industrial, agriculture, mining, and construction sectors