NXT MFG
Knoxville-based startup developing a proprietary welding-based metal deposition process with adaptive process control and software for large-scale metal additive manufacturing of complex parts.
- CEO / Founder
- Eric Heikkenen
- Team Size
- 1-10
- Stage
- Early Stage
- Total Funding
- $10K
- Latest Round
- Grant
- Key Investors
- Tennessee Valley Authority (award); U.S. DOE Innovation Crossroads (fellowship grant)
Technology & Products
Key Products
Proprietary welding-based metal deposition process with adaptive process control (second prototype in testing); end-to-end workflow software for large-scale metal AM covering toolpathing, simulation and real-time process control; metal AM engineering consulting.
Technological Advantage
Founder's PhD-level expertise in large-scale solid-state and arc-based metal deposition; proprietary adaptive process control; two-year access to ORNL researchers and the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility via Innovation Crossroads.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Uses large-scale metal 3D printing to bridge lead-time gaps in casting and forging supply chains, producing large, complex metal parts faster and at lower cost while new conventional production lines ramp up.
How They Differentiate
Positions additive as a bridge to conventional casting/forging rather than a high-volume replacement; proprietary welding-based process with adaptive control aimed at higher deposition with lower heat input, paired with automation software.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Industrial manufacturers facing long casting and forging lead times; electric utilities and energy-sector companies needing large metal parts.
Industry Verticals
Industrial manufacturing; energy and electric utilities; heavy equipment parts supply chain
Competitors
Lincoln Electric Additive Solutions; WAAM3D; MELD Manufacturing
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
First small-scale prototype validated; second prototype completed and entering testing (2026).
Major Milestones
Dec 2024: founder completed PhD at UT Knoxville; Jan 2025: company launched; 2025: Spark Cleantech Accelerator cohort and $10,000 TVA award at demo day (TAEBC Opportunities in Energy); Aug 2026: joined ORNL Innovation Crossroads 2026 cohort; 2026: second prototype completed and entering testing.