Piab
Provides automated vacuum conveying and powder handling solutions for additive manufacturing, enabling safe, efficient transfer of metal and polymer powders in 3D printing processes.
- CEO / Founder
- Bengt Thorsson
- Team Size
- 1001-5000
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- Undisclosed
- Latest Round
- Acquired
- Key Investors
- PIAB AB (Swedish parent company)
Technology & Products
Key Products
piFLOW® vacuum conveyors; piFLOW®am specialized for AM; Ultrasonic screening stations; Powder discharge stations; Turn-key powder handling systems
Technological Advantage
Claimed: Vacuum systems engineered for AM powder characteristics and safety requirements; AM-produced grippers enable geometry-specific customization not feasible with conventional manufacturing. Backed by Piab Group's global distribution in 100+ countries. Advantage defensibility unverified — no patents identified for the subsidiary.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces powder waste by up to 30%, improves safety by eliminating manual handling, and increases process efficiency with automated conveying systems that integrate seamlessly with OEM 3D printers.
How They Differentiate
Offers specialized piFLOW®am conveyor designed specifically for AM, with higher capacity (up to 14 tonnes/hour) and better integration with 3D printers than general-purpose competitors.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Industrial manufacturers using metal or polymer powder-based 3D printing (e.g., aerospace, automotive, medical)
Industry Verticals
Additive Manufacturing; Aerospace; Automotive; Medical; Pharmaceutical; Food and Beverage
Competitors
robominds, Grabit, Verionix, Vacucom, FIPA, VMECA, Vaccon, MDC Precision, Yonsha, Festo, Smc Pneumatics (U.k.), PNEUMAX LIMITED, Bosch Rexroth, Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions, AR Vacuum Technology, Parker-Hannifin, Smc Austria
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Annual sales ~1.5 billion SEK (~$140M); serves over 100 countries; 650+ employees globally.
Major Milestones
Founded in 1951; Acquired by Patricia Industries in 2018; Partnership with Höganäs in 2022; Acquisition of IB Verfahrens- und Anlagentechnik in 2023; Acquisition of Tianjin FeiYun Powder Equipment Co., Ltd in 2024; CEO transition - Bengt Thorsson appointed interim CEO effective May 2026, succeeding Peter Laurin
Notable Customers
Steelgran Componentes SA