Elementum 3D
Elementum 3D is a private Colorado-based additive manufacturing company that develops enhanced metal 3D printing powders and print parameters, enabling production of previously unprintable high-performance alloys for aerospace, defense, and space customers including NASA, the DoD, and commercial space companies.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersErie, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Elementum 3D does
Elementum 3D is a private additive manufacturing (AM) materials company founded in 2014 by Dr. Jacob Nuechterlein and headquartered in Erie, Colorado (relocated to a consolidated ~11,000-square-foot facility in April 2026). The company develops enhanced metal AM powders and print parameters that enable 3D printing of high-performance alloys previously considered unprintable through conventional laser powder bed fusion or directed energy deposition. Its customer base is concentrated in aerospace, defense, and space applications.
The company's core technology is Reactive Additive Manufacturing (RAM), a patented process granted in the United States, Canada, and Australia that uses in-situ chemical reactions to produce advanced alloys and metal matrix composites. Elementum 3D also holds a co-exclusive license to NASA's GRX-810 high-temperature superalloy (named NASA's Commercial Invention of the Year in 2025) and has developed PermiAM, a patented process for controlled-permeability LPBF components co-developed with Masten Space Systems. Its commercial product portfolio spans aluminum alloys (A6061-RAM2 flight-qualified on NASA's Europa Clipper, A7050-RAM2, A5083-RAM5/RAM2, A1000-RAM10), nickel superalloys (IN625-RAM2), copper, steel, tantalum, tungsten, and custom compositions.
Elementum 3D generates revenue through powder sales, print-parameter licensing, technology licensing, and government R&D contracts. The company sells primarily via direct enterprise field sales with a $3,000 minimum order and quote-based pricing, complemented by the Höganäs distribution partnership (announced December 2024) and OEM integrations with SLM Solutions and EOS. Key customers include NASA JPL and Marshall, Astrobotic, Ball Aerospace, Masten Space Systems, AMS, and Purdue Space Program; the U.S. Air Force, Army, and Navy are repeat SBIR/STTR customers, and the company is a participant in the $46 billion EWAAC contract vehicle through 2031. Elementum 3D has raised roughly $22M+ in cumulative equity and non-dilutive funding, including grants from NSF, America Makes, AFWERX, DARPA, and NASA, plus strategic investment from Sumitomo Corporation of Americas.
Elementum 3D firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Elementum 3D
- Legal name
- Elementum 3D, Inc.
- Website
- https://elementum3d.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Elementum 3D is a private Colorado-based additive manufacturing company that develops enhanced metal 3D printing powders and print parameters, enabling production of previously unprintable high-performance alloys for aerospace, defense, and space customers including NASA, the DoD, and commercial space companies.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Elementum 3D industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Metal Additive Manufacturing Materials
- NAICS
- Secondary Smelting and Alloying of Aluminum (331314), All Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (33299), Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (3329)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Products (3490)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Material Qualification, Testing & Certification (AM Materials) (IMAAABAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Process & Application Development (DfAM, Parameter Development) (IMAAAJAF), Aerospace & Defense (Production AM Parts) (IMAAAEAA), Metal 3D Printers (LPBF/SLM/DMLS, Binder Jetting, DED/LENS/WAAM) (IMAAAAAB)
Keywords
Where Elementum 3D is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Erie
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Elementum 3D business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Metal AM Powder Sales: Sale of proprietary metal additive manufacturing powders and materials including aluminum alloys, nickel superalloys, copper, steel, and specialty alloys. Products sold with optimized print parameters for various AM systems.
- Print Parameter Development: Development and licensing of optimized build parameters for metal AM materials on specific printer platforms (SLM Solutions, 3D Systems, etc.).
- Technology Licensing: Licensing of proprietary RAM technology and patents for material development and manufacturing applications.
- Government R&D Contracts: SBIR/STTR contracts with NASA, US Air Force, US Army, US Navy, and other government agencies for development of advanced AM materials and processes.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | B2B enterprise pricing - custom quotes based on material and volume |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Elementum 3D product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Elementum 3D develops and sells enhanced metal additive manufacturing (AM) powders and print parameters built around its proprietary Reactive Additive Manufacturing (RAM) technology, enabling 3D printing of previously unprintable high-performance aluminum alloys, nickel superalloys, copper, steel, tantalum, tungsten, and metal matrix composites. The company also licenses RAM and PermiAM technologies, develops optimized build parameters for specific AM printer platforms, and holds a co-exclusive license to commercialize NASA's GRX-810 high-temperature superalloy.
Product overview
Elementum 3D is a materials development company specializing in enhanced metal additive manufacturing (AM) powders and print parameters for diverse printer processes. The core offering centers on two proprietary technologies: RAM (Reactive Additive Manufacturing) technology, which enables printing of previously unprintable high-performance alloys and metal matrix composites, and PermiAM technology for controlled permeability in LPBF parts. The product portfolio includes specialized aluminum alloys (A6061-RAM2, A7050-RAM2, A5083-RAM series), nickel superalloys (IN625-RAM2), and licensed access to NASA's GRX-810 superalloy. Materials are delivered as metal powders with optimized printing parameters for customers' AM systems.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- RAM (Reactive Additive Manufacturing) Technology Proprietary reactive additive manufacturing process using in-situ chemical reactions that enables 3D printing of previously unprintable high-performance metal alloys and metal matrix composites. Licensed to partners and used as the foundation for Elementum 3D's enhanced powder portfolio.
- PermiAM (Permeable Additive Manufacturing) Technology Patented LPBF technology enabling printing of porous metal components with controllable permeability for improved thermal management, structural efficiency, and fluid flow in aerospace, defense, energy, and automotive applications.
- GRX-810 High-Temperature Superalloy NASA Glenn-developed nickel cobalt chromium oxide superalloy commercially available through Elementum 3D's co-exclusive licensing agreement. Designed for extreme temperatures and harsh conditions in aerospace and spaceflight applications; increases creep life 100x versus conventional alloys.
- A6061-RAM2 Aluminum Alloy Printable aluminum alloy powder developed for additive manufacturing. Qualified by NASA JPL for flight hardware and used on the Europa Clipper mission. Exhibits enhanced mechanical properties versus standard aluminum alloys.
- A7050-RAM2 Aluminum Alloy Aerospace-grade aluminum alloy with high toughness and strength and good stress corrosion cracking resistance. Registered with the Aluminum Association and exhibits superior fatigue properties compared to 7050 wrought aluminum.
- A5083-RAM5 and A5083-RAM2 Aluminum Alloys High-strength aluminum alloys with excellent printability, good corrosion resistance, and no post-build heat treatment requirement. A5083-RAM5 has 5% RAM content for maximum strength; A5083-RAM2 has 2% for greater ductility.
- IN625-RAM2 Enhanced Nickel Superalloy Enhanced nickel superalloy build parameters optimized for additive manufacturing with high-speed printing parameter sets. Exhibits improved microstructure and reduced microporosity compared to commercial Inconel 625.
- A1000-RAM10 Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite Aluminum-based metal matrix composite combining lightweight aluminum with ceramic reinforcements for high-temperature performance, used in rocket engine combustion chambers and other demanding applications. Achieves 2.3x yield strength of AlSi10Mg.
- AL1000-AM Pure Aluminum Pure aluminum powder optimized for additive manufacturing in thermal management systems requiring high thermal and electrical conductivity.
- Metal AM Powders Portfolio (Aluminum, Nickel, Copper, Steel, Tantalum, Tungsten) Comprehensive portfolio of enhanced metal additive manufacturing powders spanning aluminum (1xxx through 7xxx series), nickel alloys, copper, steel, tantalum, tungsten, and customized compositions. All powders are enhanced using RAM technology and delivered with optimized print parameters.
Quantifiable outcome
- A7050-RAM2 exhibits superior fatigue properties compared to 7050 wrought aluminum
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Elementum 3D
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Elementum 3D technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature4 records
Elementum 3D partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- DyndritecoreLPBF Pro software integration with PermiAM plug-in enabling controlled permeability in metal AM parts. Technology allows creation of parts with tailored porosity for aerospace, defense, energy, automotive, and data center cooling industries.
- HöganäsmajorPowder distribution agreement announced at Formnext for expanded global distribution of Elementum 3D materials.
- SLM SolutionscoreMaterial development agreement enabling Elementum 3D materials on SLM machines, especially the NXG XII 600. Elementum 3D acquired NXG XII 600 machine. Collaboration to develop parameters and market materials for 12-laser production system.
- Masten Space SystemscoreJoint development of PermiAM technology; successful hot fire testing of 3D printed fuel injector under NASA Phase I SBIR. Technology co-developed for controlled permeability components.
- NASAcoreMultiple partnerships including SBIR contracts, GRX-810 co-exclusive licensing, RAMFIRE rocket nozzle program, GRCop-42 propulsion components, and lunar AM project. NASA programs driving AM material development.
- US Air ForcecoreIncluded in $46B Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract (EWAAC) through 2031. Rapid Sustainment Office expanded material characterization agreement for A6061-RAM2 testing. AMO Gold Medal winner.
- US ArmymajorPhase II SBIR contract with U.S. Army Futures Command to develop high-strength aluminum alloys for future readiness. Army leveraging Elementum 3D technology.
- US NavymajorMultiple SBIR contracts including Navy STTR Phase II with Ohio State for advanced copper-based materials for RF components. HACKtheMACHINE Challenge Heavy Metal track winner.
- AFWERXmajorSBIR Phase I contract ($74,994) for Permeable Additive Manufacturing (PermiAM) technology development.
- University of UtahminorNASA STTR Phase I collaboration with Penn State for cold spray additive manufacturing of NASA's GRX-810 high-temperature alloy for aerospace and space applications.
- Penn State Applied Research LaboratoryminorNASA STTR Phase I collaboration for cold spray AM of GRX-810 alloy; particle bonding behavior research.
- The Ohio State University CDMEminorNavy STTR Phase II program developing advanced copper-based materials capability for additive manufacturing of RF components.
- BEAMIT GroupminorMaterial development partnership; BEAMIT offering aluminum 2024 RAM2C and nickel-base superalloy René 80-RAM1 for AM services in motorsport, automotive, and aeronautical markets.
- RPM Innovations, Inc.minorNASA collaboration to advance rocket engine design and performance using Elementum 3D materials in blown powder Directed Energy Deposition.
- LIFT (Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow)minorAdvanced Materials Challenge Program collaboration; selected for project developing advanced materials solutions for aerospace components.
- Dyndrite, Constellium, Sandvik Materials ConsortiumminorFirst industry-led Materials Consortium for 3D metal printing established to address materials standardization and development.
- Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing (KAM)minorPartnership combining KAM's cutting-edge AM technology with Elementum 3D's materials development for motorsports applications.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Elementum 3D competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Höganäs: Höganäs is the world's largest metal powder manufacturer and a direct competitor in metal AM powders, while simultaneously serving as Elementum 3D's distribution partner. Both companies target aerospace and automotive customers with specialty alloy powders, though Höganäs operates at significantly greater scale and with a broader portfolio.
- Oerlikon (Surface Solutions division): Oerlikon's AM segment produces metal powders for additive manufacturing across aerospace, medical, and industrial markets. Like Elementum 3D, Oerlikon targets high-value applications requiring specialized alloys, with overlapping customer base in aerospace propulsion and structural components.
- Sandvik Additive Manufacturing: Sandvik's additive manufacturing division produces Osprey-brand metal powders including nickel, titanium, and aluminum alloys for AM. Sandvik is a Materials Consortium partner with Elementum 3D, indicating direct collaboration, but also competes in similar aerospace/defense powder markets with substantially greater R&D resources.
- 6K Additive: 6K Additive is a direct competitor in metal additive manufacturing powders, using proprietary UniMelt microwave plasma technology to produce premium AM powders. Like Elementum 3D, 6K focuses on high-performance alloys for aerospace, defense, and medical applications, making it the closest comparable in business model and customer base.
Emerging players
- Metalysis: Metalysis produces metal powders directly from oxides using electrochemical process, including titanium, tantalum, and specialty alloys. The company is at an earlier commercialization stage than Elementum 3D but represents a potential alternative approach to producing difficult-to-manufacture alloys for AM.
- Velo3D: Velo3D produces metal AM systems with integrated materials and process parameters, serving aerospace, space, and defense customers. While primarily a printer manufacturer with captive materials offerings, Velo3D's end-to-end solutions compete for the same customer wallet share as Elementum 3D's material-plus-parameter approach.
- Constellium: Constellium is a major aluminum alloy producer that is also a Materials Consortium partner with Elementum 3D. While Constellium's core business is rolled and extruded aluminum rather than AM powders, its venture into AM aluminum alloys creates direct overlap with Elementum 3D's A6061-RAM2, A7050-RAM2, and related products.
- Equispheres: Equispheres produces high-quality aluminum alloy powders specifically engineered for additive manufacturing, focusing on aerospace and automotive applications. The company targets similar customers and applications as Elementum 3D's aluminum AM portfolio, making it a focused emerging competitor.
Others
- SLM Solutions: SLM Solutions is a leading metal AM printer manufacturer and a strategic technology partner to Elementum 3D, with materials jointly qualified for the NXG XII 600 platform. While not a direct powder competitor, SLM Solutions' go-to-market strategy includes certified materials, creating both partnership and competitive tension with Elementum 3D's material portfolio.
Broad incumbents
- Carpenter Technology: Carpenter Technology (including Carpenter Additive, formerly AP&C) is a major specialty alloys producer with deep aerospace presence and titanium powder capabilities for AM. As a broad incumbent, Carpenter offers a wider portfolio and customer base than Elementum 3D but with less specialization in the difficult-to-print alloy niche that defines RAM technology.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Elementum 3D social profiles
Digital presenceElementum 3D compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Elementum 3D financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Elementum 3D leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Elementum 3D funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds7 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Elementum 3D M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Elementum 3D
What does Elementum 3D do?
Elementum 3D develops and sells enhanced metal additive manufacturing (AM) powders and print parameters built around its proprietary Reactive Additive Manufacturing (RAM) technology, enabling 3D printing of previously unprintable high-performance aluminum alloys, nickel superalloys, copper, steel, tantalum, tungsten, and metal matrix composites. The company also licenses RAM and PermiAM technologies, develops optimized build parameters for specific AM printer platforms, and holds a co-exclusive license to commercialize NASA's GRX-810 high-temperature superalloy.
Is Elementum 3D a public or private company?
Elementum 3D is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Elementum 3D founded?
Elementum 3D was founded in 2014. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Elementum 3D based?
Elementum 3D is headquartered in Erie, United States, in the North America region.
How does Elementum 3D make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Metal AM Powder Sales are the primary driver. The others are print Parameter Development, technology Licensing and government R&D Contracts.
Who are Elementum 3D's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Höganäs, Oerlikon (Surface Solutions division), Sandvik Additive Manufacturing and 6K Additive. Emerging players are Metalysis, Velo3D, Constellium and Equispheres. SLM Solutions is listed as an others. Carpenter Technology is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Elementum 3D have an API?
No public API is recorded for Elementum 3D.
What industry is Elementum 3D in?
Elementum 3D's product category is Metal Additive Manufacturing Materials. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAAABAL, Material Qualification, Testing & Certification (AM Materials), with a secondary code of IMAAAJAF, Process & Application Development (DfAM, Parameter Development). Its NAICS code is 331314 and its SIC code is 3490.