TEI
Operates one of the largest US sand 3D printing foundries using Voxeljet VX4000 systems to produce complex aluminum casting cores and molds integrated with CNC machining and advanced quality validation (CT/X-ray), enabling rapid prototype-to-production workflows for automotive and industrial components.
- CEO / Founder
- Anthony D'Agostini
- Team Size
- 201-500
- Stage
- Acquired
- Total Funding
- Acquired
- Latest Round
- Acquired
- Key Investors
- General Motors
Technology & Products
Key Products
Pre-production and production prototype aluminum castings for various industries.
Technological Advantage
Voxeljet VX4000 bidirectional print-head technology achieves 4m × 2m build areas in two passes, enabling large structural components; sand 3D printing costs 30-50% less than traditional steel tooling while reducing lead times 70-80%; binder jetting enables wall thickness variations and weight optimization impossible with conventional casting; proprietary digital workflow (CAD-CAM → simulation → 3D printing → validation) achieves design-to-part cycles in days vs. weeks; CT/X-ray in-house validation ensures defect detection pre-delivery.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces casting tooling time from weeks to days through 3D sand printing; enables complex geometry castings impossible with traditional tooling; cuts lead times on high-volume production orders (e.g., Cadillac Celestiq casting cores); integrated validation (CT scanning, X-ray) ensures first-pass quality at scale; positioned for EV mass production where casting complexity and speed are competitive advantages.
How They Differentiate
TEI differentiates through integrated workflow (in-house 3D printing + foundry + CNC + validation) vs. competitors who outsource printing; 3 VX4000 systems provide unmatched capacity in US; strategic GM partnership post-acquisition provides guaranteed demand for Celestiq and future EV platform castings; established expertise with complex automotive geometries (Celestiq underbody/frame castings) vs. traditional foundries lacking 3D printing capability.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Automotive OEMs, tier-1 suppliers, industrial manufacturers
Industry Verticals
Automotive; Aerospace; Industrial machinery; Defense
Competitors
US Aluminum Castings, Eck Industries
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
One of the largest US users of 3D sand printing; operates 55+ high-precision CNC machines; expanded to 3 Voxeljet VX4000 systems (2021-2023 expansion period); Cadillac Celestiq production awarded 2023 Casting of the Year; integrated into GM Global Manufacturing division post-acquisition.
Major Milestones
Founded 1983 as aluminum foundry and precision machining supplier; 2021: First partnership with GM for Cadillac Celestiq underbody castings testing; 2023 (Feb): Installed second VX4000 3D printer (announced partnership expansion); 2023 (Nov 15): Acquired by General Motors for $80-100M estimated; 2023 (Jul 1): Integrated into GM Global Manufacturing division; 2023 (Dec): Won Casting of the Year award for Celestiq complex structural components; 2024+: Dedicated production line for Celestiq series manufacturing
Notable Customers
Tesla (prior to GM acquisition)