Blaze Metrics

What Blaze Metrics does

Blaze Metrics (legal entity Blaze Metrics LLC, DBA BlazeMetrics) designs and manufactures Process Analytical Technology (PAT) instruments used by pharmaceutical manufacturers, contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), specialty chemical producers, and academic researchers to monitor particle behavior in real time during crystallization, precipitation, milling, and other particle-formation processes. The company's core differentiator is a patented single-optical-path architecture (US Patent 11,169,086 B2) that consolidates multiple analytical measurements — Image Derived Chord Length Distribution (ID-CLD) particle size/count, 14-bit HDR dark-field microscopy, PG polarization microscopy, HDR turbidity, and optional Particle-Focused Raman spectroscopy — into a single probe, enabling simultaneous orthogonal measurements that would otherwise require separate instruments.

The product portfolio is organized into four platform series released in 2024: BlazeBasicG3 (standalone lab system), BlazePlatform (modular lab with interchangeable probes and optional Raman), BlazePlant (pilot and production durability), and BlazeEx (ATEX, NFPA, and IECEx certified for hazardous environments). All series use interchangeable probes (BlazeMilli, BlazeMicro, BlazeMeso, BlazeMeso+) covering particle scales from sub-micron to several millimeters. Distribution is direct field-sales to enterprise buyers, augmented by core-tier integration partnerships with laboratory reactor vendors (Systag FlexyPAT, Radleys Mya-4 and AVA, Syrris, Chemglass), process-control software (Perceptive Engineering PharmaMV via OPC-UA), and Raman spectrometer partners (Wasatch Photonics, Tornado Spectral Systems, LabCognition PanoramaPro).

Revenue is generated primarily through capital equipment sales of configured BlazePAT systems, supplemented by in-house service contracts (with partner Sretek handling legacy Lasentec FBRM and PVM instruments) and a usage-based interchangeable-probe rental program for emerging applications. Customers include majority of the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies and leading CDMOs (Lonza, WuXi AppTec, Veranova, Almac, CordenPharma, Cambrex, Patheon, Pharmaron), API manufacturers (Hovione, Seqens, EuroAPI), specialty chemical firms (Ajinomoto), and academic institutions (MIT, Columbia, Penn State, University of Melbourne, CMAC). The company is privately held by co-founders Richard Becker, Jon Hokanson, and Christian Roehr, each previously instrumental in developing FBRM, PVM, and FBRM C35 technologies at Lasentec; no external institutional investors are evidenced in the available source material.

Name

Blaze Metrics

Legal name

Blaze Metrics LLC

Website

https://blazemetrics.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Blaze Metrics designs single-probe Process Analytical Technology instruments combining particle sizing, 14-bit HDR microscopy, polarization microscopy, turbidity, and optional Raman for pharmaceutical manufacturers, CDMOs, specialty chemical firms, and academic researchers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Process Analytical Technology (PAT) Scientific Instrumentation

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYHLAGAIAE

Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments

Healthcare & Life Sciences/Life Science Tools & Services (CRO/CDMO/Lab Services)/Laboratory Equipment, Instruments & Consumables

SECONDARYHLAGAIAA

Analytical Instruments & Chromatography Systems

Healthcare & Life Sciences/Life Science Tools & Services (CRO/CDMO/Lab Services)/Laboratory Equipment, Instruments & Consumables

SECONDARYHLAGAIAB

Mass Spectrometry & Spectroscopy Instruments

Healthcare & Life Sciences/Life Science Tools & Services (CRO/CDMO/Lab Services)/Laboratory Equipment, Instruments & Consumables

SECONDARYIMAGAFAE

Process Analytical Instrumentation (Gas analyzers, spectroscopy, pH/ORP, conductivity)

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Electrical Equipment & Industrial Electronics/Sensors, Instrumentation & Measurement (Industrial sensing, metrology, test)

Keywords

• Process analytical technology
• Particle size analysis
• In-process microscopy
• Focused beam reflectance
• Crystallization monitoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Marysville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Scientific Instrument Hardware Sales: Sale of BlazePAT process analytical technology instruments including BlazeBasicG3, BlazePlatform, BlazePlant, and BlazeEx systems. Instruments are sold as complete systems with various configuration options based on customer application requirements.
2. Optional Raman Spectroscopy Integration: Optional add-on Raman spectroscopy capability (532nm and/or 785nm excited) for BlazePlatform and BlazePlant systems, typically with Wasatch Photonics or other compatible spectrometers.
3. Service and Support: Service through Blaze engineers and technicians for Blaze tools. Legacy service for pre-Blaze tools (FBR M, PVM) provided through Sretek.
4. Interchangeable Probe Rentals: Loaner probes of different sizes and field of view/resolutions can be rented for use in infrequently addressed application space where purchase is not yet justified.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Blaze Metrics manufactures Process Analytical Technology (PAT) scientific instruments that combine multiple analytical techniques—Image Derived particle size/count, 14-bit HDR microscopy, PG polarization, HDR turbidity, and optional Raman spectroscopy—into a single probe using patented Single-Optical-Path technology. The portfolio includes lab systems (BlazeBasicG3, BlazePlatform), pilot and production systems (BlazePlant), and ATEX/NFPA/IECEx-certified explosion-proof variants (BlazeEx) sold to pharmaceutical, specialty chemical, CRO/CDMO, food, and academic research customers.

Product overview

Blaze Metrics provides Process Analytical Technology (PAT) systems that combine multiple analytical technologies into single probes. The product portfolio includes three tool series: Lab Series (BlazeBasicG3, BlazePlatform), Plant Series (BlazePlant Basic, BlazePlant Platform), and BlazeEx Series for hazardous environments (BlazeEx Basic, BlazeEx Platform). Core technologies include ID-CLD (Image Derived Chord Length Distribution) for particle size/count, 14-bit HDR Microscopy with Meso/Micro/Milli resolution options, HDR Turbidity, PG Polarization, and optional 532nm/785nm Raman Spectroscopy. The BlazeBasicG3 is a standalone system while BlazePlatform adds modular interchangeable probes and optional Raman. BlazePlant extends these capabilities for production environments. BlazeEx provides ATEX/IECEx certified explosion-proof versions. All systems use Blaze's patented Single-Optical-Path Technology enabling simultaneous multi-technology measurement through one probe.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BlazePAT: Process Analytical Technology system combining multiple analytical tools in a single probe including microscopy, particle size/count, and optional Raman spectroscopy
• BlazeBasicG3
• BlazePlatform
• BlazePlant
• BlazeEx
• BlazeMilli
• BlazeMicro
• BlazeMeso
• BlazeMeso+
• Blaze Particle Focused Raman
• HDR Turbidity
• PG Polarization
• ID-CLD

Products and services

• BlazeBasicG3 Standalone laboratory system that integrates Image Derived particle size and count, 14-bit HDR dark-field microscopy, PG polarization microscopy, and HDR Turbidity into a single patented probe. Operational in black to white slurries including yellow and red at any concentration. Available in Micro, Meso, and Milli probe configurations for pharmaceutical, specialty chemical, and research laboratory use.
• BlazePlatform Modular laboratory system with all BlazeBasicG3 capabilities plus optional Particle Focused Raman spectroscopy (532nm and/or 785nm). Features user-interchangeable probe system supporting Meso+, Meso, Micro, and Milli probes with multiple laser power ratings, designed to reduce capital costs while expanding analytical utility.
• BlazePlant Pilot and plant-scale production instrument with the same analytical tools as BlazeBasicG3 plus optional Particle Focused Raman. Built with rugged, durable design with additional cooling and waterproofing for industrial production environments, with interchangeable probes and available in Basic and Platform configurations.
• BlazePlant Basic Production-grade BlazePlant configuration with 14-bit HDR microscopy and derived statistics, 1M or 3B laser classification, interchangeable probes, and multiple probe length options including 630mm, 820mm, and 400mm immersible lengths plus a Sanitary option for pharma production environments.
• BlazePlant Platform Full BlazePlant production configuration including 532nm and/or 785nm Excited Raman spectroscopy, optional PG Polarization, Raman Splitter for simultaneous dual-wavelength acquisition, and a second interchangeable probe expansion, sold to pharma and specialty chemical manufacturers.
• BlazeEx ATEX, NFPA 70, NFPA 496, and IECEx certified explosion-proof Process Analytical Technology system for hazardous production environments. Internal reactor/pipeline environment rated ATEX Zone 0 / Class 1 Division 1; external environment rated ATEX Zone 2 / Class 1 Division 2. Suitable for pilot production in hazardous areas.
• BlazeEx Basic Explosion-proof BlazeEx configuration with 14-bit HDR microscopy and derived statistics, ATEX Zone 0 / Class 1 Division 1 rated, with optional 1M 532nm Excited Raman for hazardous production environments in pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing.
• BlazeEx Platform Full BlazeEx explosion-proof configuration with 532nm Excited Raman and ATEX, NFPA 70, NFPA 496, and IECEx certifications for hazardous environment operation, sold to pharmaceutical and specialty chemical production facilities.
• Blaze Service and Support Service through Blaze engineers and technicians for Blaze tools, including PMs, on-site, and depot repair for BlazePAT instruments. Legacy service for pre-Blaze tools (FBR M, PVM) is provided through Sretek.
• Interchangeable Probe Rentals Loaner probe rental program offering different size probes and field-of-view/resolution options for use in infrequently addressed application spaces where purchase is not yet justified by customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Substantially improved linearity over changing dispersed phase properties compared to conventional FBRM technology
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

AI capability4 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SystagcoreTechnology or IntegrationSystag reactor systems have advanced control and PAT integration with full Systag-Blaze bidirectional communication via OPC. Systag offers FlexyPAT, an integrated control box for advanced automation of jacketed vessels with full PAT through Blaze-Systag bidirectional OPC communication.
• RadleyscoreTechnology or IntegrationRadleys and Blaze collaborated to transfer process data to the Blaze UI as well as make reactor-specific heads for optimal use of BlazePAT in Mya-4 and other reactor systems.
• Perceptive EngineeringcoreTechnology or IntegrationBlaze uses OPC to transfer statistics between Blaze UI Software and PharmaMV process control software for real-time control action and data logging.
• Wasatch PhotonicscoreTechnology or IntegrationBlaze Raman integrates with Wasatch Photonics spectrometers. Blaze attaches directly to the Raman spectrometer, sending Raman shifted light directly to the spectrometer. Spectrometers may be supplied via Blaze or directly from Wasatch.
• SretekminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSretek provides service for pre-Blaze tools (FBR M and PVM) including PMs, on-site, or depot repair. Sretek also services ReactIR and EasyMax. Ti, the owner, started with Richard Becker at Lasentec in the mid-1990s.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• HORIBA Scientific: Manufactures particle sizing, Raman, and spectroscopy instruments for research and process labs, overlapping across multiple Blaze modalities.
• Mettler-Toledo (ParticleTrack/ParticleView, formerly Lasentec): Owns the FBRM/PVM in-process particle characterization franchise the Blaze founders originally created at Lasentec, making it the most direct incumbent competitor for real-time crystallization and particle monitoring PAT.
• Malvern Panalytical: Leading supplier of particle size/characterization instruments for pharma and chemicals, competing directly in the analytical measurement of particles and process understanding.
• Endress+Hauser (Kaiser Raman): Provides in-line Raman spectroscopy and process analytical instrumentation for pharma/chemical reactions, competing with Blaze's particle-focused Raman and PAT positioning.
• Bruker: Major analytical instrument maker in spectroscopy and molecular characterization used across pharma and chemicals, overlapping with Blaze's Raman and material-characterization use cases.
• Anton Paar: Broad analytical and process instrumentation supplier serving pharma and chemical labs, with overlapping particle and material characterization tools.

Direct peers

• Sympatec: Specializes in in-line and lab particle size analysis and imaging for process environments, directly overlapping with Blaze's particle sizing and process analytics; also cited as a reference-standard source by Blaze.
• Microtrac Retsch (MicroTrac MRB): Provides particle size and shape analysis instruments and in-process imaging solutions, competing in Blaze's particle characterization category.

Others

• Tornado Spectral Systems: Raman spectrometer maker that Blaze integrates with; an ecosystem/spectroscopy supplier adjacent to Blaze's particle-focused Raman offering.
• Wasatch Photonics: Raman spectrometer partner whose spectrometers attach to Blaze systems; a component/technology supplier in the same spectroscopy ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/blazemetrics/about

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Blaze Metrics