SBI
Plasma Metal Deposition (PMD) systems for wire and arc additive manufacturing; single- and multi-wire DED systems for high-speed metal part production with aerospace-grade surface finish.
- CEO / Founder
- Ferdinand Stempfer
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Active
- Key Investors
- INO GmbH (majority owner as of 2019)
Technology & Products
Key Products
Plasma Metal Deposition (PMD) systems for wire and arc additive manufacturing; single- and multi-wire DED systems for high-speed metal part production with aerospace-grade surface finish. The company also operates in plastics extrusion technology, supplying in-line systems.
Technological Advantage
Plasma arc DED enables smooth surface finishes and high deposition rates; material flexibility across steels, nickel alloys, copper, aluminum, titanium; lower equipment cost than laser-based DED; 30-year engineering heritage and customer base in aerospace plasma welding provide distribution and technical credibility.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces aerospace bracket/component production costs vs. traditional machining; enables on-demand manufacturing of titanium parts with 30+ years of DED expertise; flexible feedstock (wire or powder); 30% faster production vs. conventional welding systems.
How They Differentiate
Plasma-based heat source (vs. laser or electron beam competitors); proven 30-year welding technology heritage; Austria-based with aerospace supply chain access; flexible multi-feedstock approach; application center support with RHP Technology.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Aerospace manufacturers, defense contractors, industrial parts producers requiring near-net-shape titanium and steel components
Industry Verticals
Aerospace & Defense; Automotive; Industrial Manufacturing; Heavy Equipment
Competitors
Sciaky (EBAM - electron beam additive manufacturing for WAAM); Lincoln Electric (Additive Solutions - large-scale metal 3D printing); MX3D (robotic wire arc additive manufacturing systems)
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Founded in 1999 with 3 employees; grew to 100 or 110 employees by unspecified dates; in 2019, INO GmbH became majority owner through corporate restructuring, strengthening ownership and focusing on plasma welding and additive manufacturing.
Major Milestones
1999: Company founded by three engineers; 2001: Plasma Adaptor Box product (early innovation); 2009: Began supply of AM key equipment for aerospace; 2019: Launched M3DP wire and arc additive manufacturing systems; 2019+: Additive Manufacturing Application Center established partnership with RHP Technology
Notable Customers
Volkswagen; BMW; Audi; Siemens; MT Aerospace; RHP Technology (technology partner for Additive Manufacturing Application Center)