Direct3D
Engineers and manufactures small, lightweight, and cost-effective pellet extruders and 3D printers using polymer AM technology.
- CEO / Founder
- Paolo Legnani
- Team Size
- 1-10
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- Undisclosed
- Latest Round
- Seed
Technology & Products
Key Products
Pellet Extruders; 3D printers
Technological Advantage
Pellet extrusion technology enables high-quality printing at a lower cost point compared to traditional filament-based systems; dual-model as manufacturer and reseller.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Enables accessible, high-quality printing through cost-effective pellet extrusion technology, catering to all skill levels from hobbyists to professionals.
How They Differentiate
Focuses on accessibility for all skill levels via quality products and support in pellet extrusion/3D printing hardware.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Hobbyists, beginners, intermediates, and professionals
Industry Verticals
General 3D printing
Competitors
Pollen AM
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Extruder throughput ranges from 20 to 350 g/h depending on the nozzle size (0.4–2.5 mm) and material.; Founded in Milan, Italy around 2018 by Paolo Legnani and Elisa Legnani.; Collaborated with Italian 3D printer manufacturer Kentstrapper in 2018 to implement pellet extrusion technology.; Showcased pellet extrusion of bio-based polymers and soft materials at major industry events including Formnext (2019, 2021), Mecspe (2021, 2022), and Milan Design Week (2021, 2022).; Launched in-house production services for functional prototypes and small series parts using thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs).; Demonstrated automated printing of soft materials using a UR3 collaborative robot at Plast 2023.; Technology utilized in academic research for autonomous laboratory workflows and material characterization (e.g., studies at Halmstad University and research published in RSC Digital Discovery, 2023).; Primary focus on the Italian and European markets (notably Germany and France), targeting industrial sectors such as automotive, footwear, and research laboratories requiring high-throughput pellet extrusion and soft material capabilities.
Major Milestones
Launch of the D3D Pellet Extruder (2019); Commercial release of the D3D EVO large-format industrial printer series; Expansion of distribution into the North American market.
Notable Customers
University of Pavia (Università di Pavia); University of Milano (Università degli Studi di Milano); Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta; University of Malta; SABIC; Kentstrapper; Avient; FlexSea; TMP; Dimap