GrindoSonic
GrindoSonic develops and manufactures non-destructive testing (NDT) solutions based on Impulse Excitation Technique (IET), enabling rapid material characterization and quality control without damaging parts. Primary product: GrindoSonic MK7 benchtop instrument; also offers automated in-line systems and measurement stations. ASTM E1876 compliant.
- CEO / Founder
- Alex Van den Bossche
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- Undisclosed
Technology & Products
Key Products
GrindoSonic MK7 (benchtop impulse excitation analyzer); Automated in-line measurement systems; Measurement stations with specialized fixtures; High-temperature IET systems (up to 1750°C for material research); Sample testing services on demand
Technological Advantage
Impulse Excitation Technique (IET)—non-destructive measurement of elastic properties (Young's modulus, Shear modulus, Poisson's ratio, damping) with 0.1ppm frequency resolution and sub-second analysis. Defensible advantages: ASTM E1876 compliance, high-temperature capability (up to 1600°C with HT systems), no sample destruction, 100% production line inspection possible, zero consumables, minimal sample prep. 1,700+ systems deployed globally across 50+ countries over 45 years.
Patent position
GrindoSonic filed 10 patent families across all years, with 70% associated with EP filings. AMPulse analysis
- Filing momentum
- 5 families filed 2022–2024, 3 in 2019–2021
- Filed in
- EP 70%WO 30%US 20%
10 AM patent families in total. Recent years are still being published, so read a filing change against the same-office figure.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces quality control time from minutes to 2-3 seconds per part while enabling non-destructive evaluation of porosity, micro-cracks, stiffness, and damping. Eliminates need for destructive testing. Enables inline printer bed uniformity monitoring and process optimization. Cost-effective alternative to optical inspection with higher information density.
How They Differentiate
GrindoSonic is the only pure-play provider of IET-based NDT. Competitors use ultrasonic, eddy current, or thermal analysis methods. GrindoSonic's 2-3 second non-destructive test time is significantly faster than optical inspection (industry standard) and destructive testing. No contact required on part eliminates surface preparation needs. ASTM E1876 standardization differentiates as established, regulated methodology vs. emerging competitor technologies.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Aerospace manufacturers, 3D printing facilities, precision mechanics shops, material research labs, quality control departments, automotive suppliers
Industry Verticals
Additive Manufacturing; Aerospace & Defense; Automotive; Precision Mechanics; Material Research; Ceramics & Refractories; Composites; Metals & Alloys
Competitors
IMCE NV; Resoniks
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
2,000+ systems installed worldwide (market leadership claim); 50+ year operational history; International presence across aerospace, automotive, precision mechanics sectors; Flemish government research grant awards (Vlaio) indicate technology validation
Major Milestones
1966-03-22: Founded by Joseph Lemmens as J.W. Lemmens N.V. in Leuven (KU Leuven spin-off, CRIF research origin); 1970s: Expanded to refractories, ceramics, composites, automated systems; 1980s: Extended IET to high-temperature material characterization; 1990s: MK5 Industrial launched; 2000s: MK6 launched; 2005-10-24: GrindoSonic BV formally registered (BE 0876.928.795); 2010s: MK7 launched with full-spectrum analysis; 2020s: Expanded into additive manufacturing applications; received Flemish government (Vlaio) research grants
Notable Customers
Audi; Mercedes-Benz; Safran; Saint-Gobain; TAG Heuer; Cartier; Swatch Group; Dassault Systèmes; Materialise; Imerys; KU Leuven; LNE; Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg
AM patents
AM-relevant patents linked to this company.
- Patents
- 12
- Granted
- 1
- Families
- 10
Leading domains: process (12), material (5)
Filings by year: 2025: 2 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 4
- IMPROVED POSITIONING TABLE FOR IMPACT EXCITATION MEASUREMENTS04227662 · EP
- METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OBTAINING THE ELONGATION AT BREAK OF 3D PRINTED OBJECTS04502566 · EP
- IMPROVED ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING MONITORING METHOD AND SYSTEM2022148827 · WO
- NON-DESTRUCTIVE STRESS-STRAIN MEASUREMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM4786950 · EP
- IMPROVED POSITIONING TABLE FOR IMPACT EXCITATION MEASUREMENTS20250155411 · US