MacLean Additive
Develops proprietary 3D-printable tool steel powders (e.g., Formetrix L-40) and provides additive manufacturing services for tooling, fixtures, dies, and components, primarily using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology.
- CEO / Founder
- Duncan MacLean
- Team Size
- 51-200
- Stage
- Active
Technology & Products
Key Products
Formetrix L-40 tool steel powder; 3D-printed tooling and fixtures; Hot and cold forming dies; Additive manufacturing components
Technological Advantage
Patented tool steel formulation optimized for LPBF processes, providing superior mechanical properties compared to standard powders; defensible via intellectual property and integration with parent company's manufacturing expertise.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces tooling lead times and costs by enabling on-demand production of high-hardness, crack-free steel tools with exceptional toughness (65 J) and elongation (>10%), eliminating cobalt and improving durability in demanding applications.
How They Differentiate
Formetrix L-40 offers 30% higher toughness (65 J vs. ~50 J typical) and crack-free printing at high hardness levels, with zero cobalt reducing material costs and supply chain risks, unlike competitors' cobalt-containing alloys.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Automotive OEMs and suppliers, heavy vehicle manufacturers, military, and industrial tooling markets
Industry Verticals
Automotive; Aerospace; Defense; Industrial Manufacturing
Competitors
Carpenter Technology; Höganäs; Sandvik
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Outgrew initial MacLean Additive space in Macomb, MI within a year of adding Formetrix portfolio; expanded to new Sterling Heights facility in 2022; growing steel powder customer base
Major Milestones
2022: Grand opening of 35,000-sq.-ft. additive manufacturing facility in Sterling Heights, MI; 2021: Acquisition of Formetrix assets to launch MacLean Additive; 2021: Purchase of SLM®280 Production Series machine for serial production
Notable Customers
General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Boeing, TRUMPF (tooling validation partner)