Flow Science Deutschland GmbH
Develops FLOW-3D AM, a CFD simulation software for modeling complex physical processes in additive manufacturing, enabling engineers to predict and optimize AM build outcomes before production.
- CEO / Founder
- Malte Leonhard
- Team Size
- 51-200
- Stage
- Active
- Latest Round
- Acquired by Dr. Flender Holding GmbH
- Key Investors
- Dr. Flender Holding GmbH
Technology & Products
Key Products
FLOW-3D AM (additive manufacturing simulation), FLOW-3D CAST (metal casting simulation), FLOW-3D HYDRO (hydraulic/water engineering simulation), FLOW-3D WELD (welding process simulation), FLOW-3D (general-purpose CFD), FLOW-3D (x) (cloud-enabled simulation). Services include application consulting, training, webinars, workshops, and technical support.
Technological Advantage
CLAIMED: High-precision CFD simulation with fast scalable results for free-surface flows, supporting AM, casting, welding, and hydraulic applications. TruVOF technology for improved accuracy over standard VOF methods. VERIFIED: 40+ year track record since 1980; 320 employees worldwide; 500+ customers; explicit customer testimonials from Kuhn Edelstahl, ZF Group, and Schaufler Tooling Group. The VOF method and TruVOF are foundational CFD technologies, though defensibility of the simulation approach vs. competitors (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL) depends on specialized vertical depth.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
FLOW-3D AM enables engineers to simulate complex physical phenomena during additive manufacturing processes virtually, reducing trial-and-error prototyping costs and minimizing scrap. By modeling fluid flow, thermal behavior, and solidification in AM builds, the software shortens development cycles and increases first-print success rates across metal and polymer AM processes.
How They Differentiate
Specialized focus on free-surface flow simulation via proprietary TruVOF technology, compared to general-purpose CFD tools (ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL Multiphysics, Siemens Star-CCM+). Deep vertical expertise in casting and AM process simulation with 40+ years of domain refinement. Local Center of Excellence in Aachen with dedicated application consulting engineers for the DACH, Scandinavian, and Benelux markets.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Engineers and engineering teams in additive manufacturing, metal casting, welding, water/environmental engineering, automotive, microfluidics, and coating technologies. Serves both industrial companies and research institutions across 10 Central European countries.
Industry Verticals
Additive Manufacturing, Metal Casting, Water & Environmental Engineering, Welding, Automotive, Microfluidics, Coating Technologies
Competitors
ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL Multiphysics, Siemens Star-CCM+
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
320 employees worldwide in the Corporate Group; 500+ customers; distribution network across 90 project countries; 10 Central European countries served by Flow Science Deutschland
Major Milestones
1980 — Flow Science, Inc. founded in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA by Dr. C.W. Hirt; 2012 — Flow Science Deutschland established; 2021 — Flow Science acquired by German Dr. Flender Holding; 2026 — FLOW-3D European Users Conference in Düsseldorf
Notable Customers
Kuhn Edelstahl (casting simulation since at least 1996), ZF Group (die casting process development), Schaufler Tooling Group (intensive FLOW-3D CAST user since 1996)