Flightware, Inc.
Flightware, Inc. is a technology development and consulting company specializing in aerospace and defense applications, including in-situ inspection methods for metal additive manufacturing (L-PBF) processes.
- CEO / Founder
- David Maass
- Team Size
- 1-10
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- $3,976,191 (SBIR/STTR grants)
- Latest Round
- Grant
Technology & Products
Key Products
In-situ inspection method for metal AM (L-PBF); Layer Topographic Mapping (LTM) for L-PBF process; Avionics/flight expertise and simulation/modeling services
Technological Advantage
Flightware has developed a proprietary in-situ inspection method for metal additive manufacturing (L-PBF) that uses Layer Topographic Mapping (LTM) to detect defects in real-time during the build process. This technology, developed under a NASA contract, enables real-time quality assurance and process control, reducing the need for costly post-build inspection. The advantage is protected by the company's expertise and the specific application of the technology, though the underlying principles may be replicable by well-funded competitors.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Provides in-situ inspection and process control solutions for metal additive manufacturing, enabling real-time quality assurance and reducing post-build inspection costs and lead times for aerospace and defense applications.
How They Differentiate
Flightware's LTM technology provides real-time, layer-by-layer topographic mapping for L-PBF, offering a unique approach compared to competitors like Sigma Labs (which uses thermal-based melt pool monitoring) and Additive Assurance (which uses optical emission spectroscopy). The LTM method may offer higher resolution defect detection and better integration with existing L-PBF systems.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Aerospace and defense organizations, NASA, and metal AM equipment manufacturers needing in-situ process monitoring and quality assurance.
Industry Verticals
Aerospace; Defense
Competitors
Sigma Labs; Additive Assurance; EOS (in-situ monitoring solutions)
Growth & Milestones
Major Milestones
1998: Founded; 2016: Phase II SBIR with DLA; 2017: NASA Phase I contract for Layer Topographic Mapping (LTM) development ($122,011); 2019: DLA Phase I - AM Process Monitoring & Control; 2021: USAF Phase II award for Quality Improvement of Critical AM Parts ($749,862)
Notable Customers
NASA