Tru-Design
Develops patented coatings and finishing solutions for large-format polymer 3D printed parts, enabling Class A surface finishes and vacuum integrity for industrial tools and cosmetic applications.
- CEO / Founder
- Rick Spears
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- Undisclosed
Technology & Products
Key Products
Tru-Design specializes in post-processing large area additive manufacturing products. They offer innovative design, production, and finishing solutions, including patented coatings like TD Sand (fills imperfections for smooth surfaces) and TD Coat RT (an additive applied coating for machining and sanding to a desired gloss).
Technological Advantage
Patented coating technology improves bead-to-bead adhesion strength by up to 5x in thermoplastic 3D printed parts while providing vacuum integrity for composite tooling applications - verified through R&D 100 awards and industry adoption
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces post-processing time by up to 80% compared to traditional sanding/filling methods while achieving automotive-grade Class A finishes on large 3D printed polymer parts, enabling direct production use without secondary tooling.
How They Differentiate
Specializes exclusively in coatings for large-format polymer AM (BAAM/LAAM) versus general post-processing for smaller parts; TD Seal provides 5x better bead-to-bead adhesion versus standard fillers; only solution enabling vacuum integrity for composite tooling applications
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Manufacturers using large-area additive manufacturing (BAAM/LAAM) for tooling, automotive, aerospace, and industrial parts requiring high-quality surface finishes
Industry Verticals
Automotive; Aerospace; Industrial Manufacturing; Tooling; Consumer Products
Competitors
DyeMansion; Stratasys (post-processing solutions); UPTIVE
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Over 1,000 large-format 3D printed parts finished for customers including Fortune 500 companies; 100% customer retention rate; 40% year-over-year growth in 2022
Major Milestones
Recipient of two R&D 100 awards for coating innovations; Developed first surface finish processes for Big Area Additive Manufacturing; Distribution agreement with Composites One expanding North American reach; Collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory on landmark 3D printing projects
Notable Customers
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (3D printed Shelby Cobra, Willys Jeep, AMIE project); Department of Energy projects