Layer Performance
Universal non-planar slicing software for additive manufacturing that enables 3D-optimized path planning for FDM printers and robotic systems, delivering surface quality comparable to injection molding with 4x higher part strength and 10x faster production.
- CEO / Founder
- Lukas Pelzer
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- $5.6M
- Latest Round
- Grant
- Key Investors
- Index Ventures, btov Partners, Felix Jahn, Matt Robinson, Ajay Vashee, Carlos Gonzales-Cadenaz, Max Tayenthal
Technology & Products
Key Products
Non-planar slicing software (core product); Version 2.0: hardness-zone definition and machine code generation
Technological Advantage
Proprietary non-planar path planning algorithm enables 4x higher part strength and 10x faster production compared to conventional planar slicing; achieves injection-molding-quality surface finish on FDM-printed parts; works across all FDM printer architectures (3-axis conventional to 6-axis robotic with pellet extruders). Claimed technology position: "first universal slicer" (status: unverified from independent sources).
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces production time and material usage by ~70% compared to conventional planar slicing; enables injection-molding-quality surface finish on 3D-printed parts; allows functional property customization (hardness zones) within single parts; compatible with all FDM printer types (conventional 3-axis to 6-axis robotic systems with pellet extruders).
How They Differentiate
Non-planar slicing capability (not offered by conventional slicers like Cura, PrusaSlicer, Simplify3D); multi-axis robot compatibility; functional property customization (hardness zones); material agnostic (works with filament and pellet systems).
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Industrial manufacturers using FDM 3D printing and robotic additive manufacturing systems
Industry Verticals
Additive Manufacturing; Industrial Production; Injection Molding Replacement
Competitors
Polygonica (mesh processing and slicing software for AM); Cura / PrusaSlicer (conventional slicing software platforms)
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
milestone_2024: Won Gründungspreis+ (Start-up Prize) in Digital Innovations category at Digital Summit 2024 organized by Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK). company_origin: Spin-off from IKV (Institut für Kunststoffverarbeitung) at RWTH Aachen University
Major Milestones
Web Summit 2024 German Pavilion exhibitor; Formnext 2024 exhibitor (launched Version 2.0 with hardness-zone feature); K-Mag case study: 70% reduction in production time and material usage