IB Additive
German specialist in custom automated powder handling and material flow systems for metal and polymer additive manufacturing, acquired by Piab Group in 2023 and operating as Piab Additive GmbH under the IB Verfahrenstechnik brand.
- CEO / Founder
- Martin Holtkämper
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Acquired
- Total Funding
- Undisclosed
- Latest Round
- Acquired
- Key Investors
- Piab Group
Technology & Products
Key Products
Delivers turnkey, customer-specific powder handling and material flow systems for powder bed fusion AM processes — covering ultrasonic sieving, reclaiming, conveying, mixing, and storage — enabling manufacturers to achieve maximum process safety, material efficiency, and regulatory compliance (ATEX) in metal and polymer 3D printing operations. Key products include piFLOW® vacuum conveyors.
Technological Advantage
Proprietary ultrasonic sieving technology (MPS series) optimized for fine metal powders; ATEX-certified systems for explosive dust environments; AMIS DFE software for process control and documentation; deep application know-how in PBF powder management; full integration capability as system partner (not just component supplier)
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Delivers turnkey, customer-specific powder handling and material flow systems for powder bed fusion AM processes — covering ultrasonic sieving, reclaiming, conveying, mixing, and storage — enabling manufacturers to achieve maximum process safety, material efficiency, and regulatory compliance (ATEX) in metal and polymer 3D printing operations.
How They Differentiate
Offers fully customized, turnkey systems engineered to specific customer requirements rather than standardized catalog products; positions as deep-knowledge system partner for AM powder handling; global reach via Piab Group distribution while maintaining German engineering and custom design heritage
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Industrial metal and polymer 3D printing machine manufacturers, AM service bureaus, and end-users requiring automated powder handling in regulated environments
Industry Verticals
Metal Additive Manufacturing; Polymer Additive Manufacturing; Industrial Automation; Bulk Material Handling
Competitors
Volkmann GmbH; Solukon Maschinenbau GmbH; Russell Finex
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Founded 2009; acquired by Piab Group March 2023; systems deployed globally in 100+ countries via Piab distribution network; ATEX certified for explosive powder environments
Major Milestones
2006: Founded as IB Verfahrens- und Anlagentechnik GmbH & Co. KG in Lage-Heiden (as engineering office); 2007: Began developing bulk material handling solutions; Developed piFLOW®am and MPS ultrasonic sieving systems for AM powder; ATEX certification achieved; March 2023: Acquired by Piab Group and renamed Piab Additive GmbH; October 2025: Martin Holtkämper appointed Managing Director (replacing Olaf Schlotmann); Expansion to 100+ country global distribution via Piab network
Notable Customers
KSB; Höganäs