Transition45 Technologies
Develops advanced metal fabrication technologies including periodic cellular structures (PCS) for shape memory alloys and friction stir welding/extrusion tools for aerospace applications, enabling near-net-shape manufacturing with reduced cost and lead time.
- CEO / Founder
- Edward Chen
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Established
- Total Funding
- $10.19M
- Latest Round
- Grant
- Key Investors
- U.S. Department of Energy; NASA
Technology & Products
Key Products
Periodic Cellular Structure (PCS) technology for shape memory alloys; Friction stir welding pin tools; Conventional friction stir extrusion (C-FSE) machine add-on tools; Titanium and reactive metal castings
Technological Advantage
The company's PCS technology for shape memory alloys and friction stir-based additive tools are NASA-derived technologies. The C-FSE tool attaches to conventional friction stir welding systems, avoiding the need for expensive AM printers or print beds, producing parts with high-quality surface finishes. The IP is likely protected through NASA technology transfer agreements and related patents, though specific patent numbers are not publicly verified.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces manufacturing cost and lead time for aerospace components through near-net-shape fabrication and friction stir-based additive processes, eliminating the need for large metal billets and extensive machining.
How They Differentiate
Unlike traditional metal AM (PBF-LB, DED) that requires large capital equipment and print beds, Transition45's friction stir extrusion tools attach to existing FSW systems, reducing upfront costs. The PCS technology enables near-net-shape fabrication of shape memory alloys, which is not offered by mainstream metal AM competitors.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
NASA, US Department of Defense, aerospace and defense manufacturers
Industry Verticals
Aerospace; Defense; Industrial
Competitors
MELD Manufacturing; Aeroprobe Corporation; Bond Technologies
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Received an SBIR award of $200,000 in FY2024 (listed in FY2024 SBIR/STTR Awards; PI: Edward Chen) for a project titled 'Novel Additively ...'. Also appears in NASA SBIR contractor data and in the FY2014 DCAA active contractor listing. No revenue, employee, or growth figures were provided.
Major Milestones
Active in SBIR program with $10M+ in award dollars; NASA TechPort industry participant on 2 additive-manufacturing projects; Finalist in xTechEnergy Resiliency competition (2023)
Notable Customers
NASA
Funding rounds
- Grant$200K2024-01Source: OSTI SBIR Awards
- Grant$200K2021-06Lead: U.S. Department of Energy · Source: PaperDigest / DOE
- Grant$600K2010-06Lead: NASA · Source: NASA ARRA Report
- Grant$625K2008-06Source: GovTribe