Ultramet
Develops laser-directed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) additive manufacturing systems to build free-standing refractory metal rocket propulsion hardware, reducing lead times for extreme-environment components.
- CEO / Founder
- Andrew Duffy
- Team Size
- 51-200
- Stage
- Established
- Total Funding
- $7.5M
- Latest Round
- Grant
- Key Investors
- NASA; Department of Defense Missile Defense Agency
Technology & Products
Key Products
Laser-directed CVD 3D printing system for refractory metals; Refractory metal coatings and freestanding structures (tungsten, rhenium, tantalum, molybdenum, niobium); Ceramic and metal foams; Ceramic protective coatings; Solid rocket combustion chambers and throats; Propulsion system components
Technological Advantage
Proprietary laser-directed CVD process enables 3D printing of refractory metals and ceramics for extreme environments, a capability not offered by conventional powder-bed or DED AM systems. The company has decades of CVD expertise (founded 1970) and is developing AM-specific IP under NASA SBIR programs. The process advantage is likely protectable via trade secrets and process patents, though specific patent numbers are not publicly listed.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Enables production of refractory metal rocket propulsion hardware with complex geometries via laser-directed CVD, reducing lead times and enabling materials (tungsten, rhenium, tantalum) that are difficult to process with conventional AM.
How They Differentiate
Unlike Optomec (aerosol jet/DED for metals), Sciaky (electron beam DED), and Titomic (cold spray), Ultramet's laser-directed CVD enables deposition of refractory metals (tungsten, rhenium) at extreme temperatures, targeting rocket propulsion hardware where competitors cannot process these materials effectively.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Aerospace, defense, medical, chemical, and nuclear industries requiring high-temperature refractory metal and ceramic components.
Industry Verticals
Aerospace; Defense; Medical; Chemical; Nuclear; Semiconductor
Competitors
Optomec; Sciaky; Titomic
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
No numeric growth metrics found. A National Academies SBIR book indicates Ultramet's revenue growth was almost entirely fueled by expansion of intellectual property developed by Ultramet Inc.; federal award/contract mentions include $12,930 (Purdue FY14 single audit), $8,322 (Illinois FY23 contract), $49,303 (Penn State FY25 single audit), and $22,528 (Cornell FY25 single audit).
Major Milestones
Founded in 1970; Awarded NASA SBIR for Laser-Directed CVD 3D Printing of Refractory Metal Rocket Propulsion Hardware; Awarded $1.5M DoD Missile Defense Agency contract for hypersonic technology; Partnership with PNNL produced ultra-pure tungsten
Notable Customers
NASA; Department of Defense