Ler Technologies
Develops optical sensor systems for real-time defect detection and in-situ monitoring of metal 3D printing processes, targeting aerospace and in-space manufacturing applications.
- CEO / Founder
- Araz Yacoubian
- Team Size
- 1-10
- Stage
- Early Stage
- Total Funding
- $4,445,862
- Latest Round
- Grant
- Key Investors
- National Science Foundation; NASA; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Army; U.S. Air Force
Technology & Products
Key Products
In-situ inspection unit for metal AM; Multi-parameter imaging system for in-space manufacturing monitoring
Technological Advantage
Proprietary optical sensing technology for in-situ monitoring, validated through NASA and DOE funded projects; advantage is likely protectable via trade secrets and patents, but specific patents not identified.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Enables real-time quality control in metal AM, reducing scrap and rework costs by detecting defects during the build, and supports qualification for critical aerospace parts.
How They Differentiate
Focus on in-space manufacturing constraints and multi-parameter imaging, differentiating from terrestrial-focused monitoring systems.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
NASA, DoD, metal AM machine manufacturers, aerospace component producers
Industry Verticals
Aerospace; Defense; Space
Competitors
Sigma Labs; Additive Assurance; Applied Optimization
Growth & Milestones
Major Milestones
2014: NSF Phase II SBIR award; 2016: NASA feasibility study on in-situ inspection unit; 2017: NASA purchase order for UAM with embedded sensors; 2018: NASA contract for in-situ monitoring of in-space manufacturing; 2022: DOE SBIR award for real-time defect detection system
Notable Customers
NASA; U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Army; U.S. Air Force
Funding rounds
- Grant$2,299,7262022Lead: U.S. Department of Energy · Source: inknowvation.com SBIR tracker
- Grant$111,4302021Lead: U.S. Army · Source: inknowvation.com SBIR tracker
- Grant$899,9632021Lead: U.S. Air Force · Source: inknowvation.com SBIR tracker
- Grant$124,9542018Lead: NASA · Source: inknowvation.com SBIR tracker
- Grant$909,7932017Lead: National Science Foundation · Source: inknowvation.com SBIR tracker