RapidFit
A specialized provider of modular, 3D-printed tooling and high-precision inspection fixtures designed to optimize quality control and assembly for the automotive industry.
- CEO / Founder
- Bart Wilberts
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- $3.98M
- Key Investors
- PMV (Flemish Investment Company), RapidFit Management Team
Technology & Products
Key Products
["Modular Cubing Systems (Smart Cube for full vehicle body inspection)","Custom Inspection Fixtures and Gauges","RapidLock (Patented quick-release system for modularity)","Hybrid Manufacturing Services (Combining 3D printing with 5-axis CNC milling)","CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) Holding Fixtures"]
Technological Advantage
Integrates large-format 5-axis CNC milling with additive manufacturing to achieve micron-level precision on lightweight, complex geometries that traditional manufacturing cannot produce efficiently.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces tooling weight by up to 90% and lead times to 8–12 weeks by replacing traditional heavy steel fixtures with modular, 3D-printed, and carbon-fiber-reinforced solutions that are easily reconfigurable.
How They Differentiate
RapidFit differentiates through the use of additive manufacturing (3D printing) and carbon-fiber reinforcement to create custom, modular fixtures that are up to 90% lighter than traditional steel alternatives. Their patented RapidLock quick-release system allows for micron-level precision and repeatability while reducing lead times to 8–12 weeks.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Volvo and Aston Martin, and Tier 1 automotive suppliers and automation partners like Comau.
Industry Verticals
["Automotive","Industrial Manufacturing","Aerospace (Secondary/Potential)","Additive Manufacturing Services"]
Competitors
Witte Barskamp (Alufix), Zeiss (GOM Metrology), Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Transitioned from a Materialise business unit to an independent entity; maintains a global sales network and a dedicated US manufacturing footprint (Advanced Machining Ltd).
Major Milestones
["Launched by Materialise in 2006 as a 3D-printed solution for automotive fixtures.","Secured investment from PMV (Flemish Investment Company) in August 2013 to fuel international expansion.","Acquired Advanced Machining Ltd in Michigan, USA, in October 2013 to establish a local manufacturing presence.","Announced a management-led buyout (MBO) from Materialise in October 2024 to operate as an independent company."]
Notable Customers
Volvo Car Gent, Aston Martin, Bentley, Comau