LightFab
LightFab GmbH is an Aachen-based (Germany) precision glass microfabrication company that uses its proprietary SLE (Selective Laser-Induced Etching) process to produce µm-precision 3D glass components via a Job-Shop service and to sell LightFab 3D Printer capital equipment to industrial and research customers in microfluidics, medical devices, aerospace, and photonics.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersAachen, Germany
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What LightFab does
LightFab GmbH is a privately-held German technology company founded in 2013 that specializes in 3D microfabrication of precision glass components. The company was spun out of the Chair of Laser Technology at RWTH Aachen University and the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen, Germany, and operates with a tiny team (1-10 employees) from headquarters at Talbotstr. 25, 52068 Aachen, together with a wholly-owned US subsidiary (Lightfab Corp) in New Ipswich, New Hampshire.
The company's core technology is the proprietary SLE (Selective Laser-Induced Etching) process — a two-stage manufacturing method that first modifies transparent material at µm-scale focal points using ultrafast (fs-ps) laser radiation, then selectively removes the modified zones via wet chemical etching. Selectivity exceeds 500:1 for quartz glass, enabling ~1 µm precision in full 3D cavities without assembly. The integrated stack combines this process with proprietary modular high-speed microscanners and custom CAD/CAM software that automatically generates laser path data from 3D models, producing a self-contained CAD-to-finished-part workflow.
LightFab monetizes through two channels: (1) a Job-Shop contract manufacturing service where customers submit CAD data and LightFab produces prototypes, small series, or mass-production runs of microstructured glass parts (microfluidics, micromechanics, aero/hydrodynamic components, glass injection molds); and (2) direct sales of the LightFab 3D Printer as capital equipment to organizations that want in-house production capability. Pricing is quote-based and project-driven. The company pursues demand primarily through international trade shows (Photonics West, Compamed, micronora, Precisie Beurs) and its website contact form. The technology has been independently recognized with the 2014 RapidPro Award and the 2016 Prism Award in industrial lasers, and the firm holds patents on its SLE-derived processes including a patented welding method for combining micro- and macro-scale features in microfluidics.
LightFab firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- LightFab
- Legal name
- LightFab GmbH
- Website
- https://lightfab.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- LightFab GmbH is an Aachen-based (Germany) precision glass microfabrication company that uses its proprietary SLE (Selective Laser-Induced Etching) process to produce µm-precision 3D glass components via a Job-Shop service and to sell LightFab 3D Printer capital equipment to industrial and research customers in microfluidics, medical devices, aerospace, and photonics.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
LightFab industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Precision Glass Microfabrication Equipment
- NAICS
- Glass Product Manufacturing Made of Purchased Glass (327215)
- SIC
- Glass Products, Made Of Purchased Glass (3231)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Ceramic & Glass 3D Printing Services (IMAAADAC)
Keywords
Where LightFab is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Aachen
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
LightFab business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Job-Shop / Contract Manufacturing: LightFab manufactures microstructured glass components (prototypes, small series, mass production) to customer CAD specifications and charges per job/order. Revenue is project-based and usage-driven depending on component complexity, precision requirements, and production volume.
- LightFab 3D Printer Sales: Sale of the LightFab 3D Printer system — a capital equipment product that includes the hardware (microscanner + 3-axis system), CAD/CAM software, and machine control software. Revenue is one-time capital sale, with potential for software support/maintenance contracts.
- SLE Technology Licensing (implied): The company references the patented LightFab welding process for microfluidics, suggesting potential licensing of SLE technology or processes to third parties.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
LightFab product offering
Product offeringCore offering
LightFab manufactures microstructured glass components using its proprietary SLE (Selective Laser-Induced Etching) process — a two-stage workflow combining ultrafast UKP laser modification with selective wet chemical etching — and sells the LightFab 3D Printer capital system (hardware plus CAD/CAM and machine control software) that runs the same process. Customers can either order finished glass parts from LightFab's Job-Shop service (single orders, prototyping, small series, or mass production) or purchase the 3D Printer for in-house production.
Product overview
LightFab offers a portfolio of laser-based 3D microfabrication solutions centered on its proprietary SLE (Selective Laser-Induced Etching) technology for processing transparent materials with high-performance UKP (ultrafast) lasers. The core product is the LightFab 3D Printer, a precision system combining modular high-speed microscanners with a 3-axis positioning system, designed for subtractive 3D printing of glass components. Complementing the hardware is the company's CAD/CAM software that automatically generates machining path data from digital models. LightFab also operates a Job-Shop manufacturing service, providing contract production of microstructured glass components for customers who need prototypes or small series without purchasing the 3D printer.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- LightFab 3D Printer A precision 3D printer specifically designed for subtractive 3D printing of glass components using the SLE (Selective Laser-Induced Etching) process, combining a 3D micro scanner with a precise 3-axis system. Scientific version: 120 x 80 x 20 mm build area; manufacturing version: 200 x 200 x 150 mm. Sold to R&D teams and manufacturers needing in-house precision glass production.
- Job-Shop Manufacturing Services
Quantifiable outcome
- Selectivity >500:1 for quartz glass — enabling fine, long channels with low conicity
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use LightFab
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
LightFab technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
LightFab partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- RWTH Aachen University — Chair of Laser TechnologycoreLightFab developed the foundations of its SLE technology at the Chair of Laser Technology at RWTH Aachen University. The university's research provided the foundational IP and expertise for the company's core technology.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT), AachencoreLightFab's origins are at the Fraunhofer ILT, which is co-located with RWTH Aachen University. Fraunhofer ILT provided the research infrastructure and expertise that underpinned LightFab's SLE process development.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
LightFab competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Trumpf: Leading manufacturer of industrial laser systems including ultrafast (UKP) lasers used in precision micromachining. Comparable on enabling laser technology, and a potential partner or competitor should Trumpf integrate downstream into glass micro-fabrication systems.
- IPG Photonics: Major supplier of high-power and ultrafast fiber lasers used in precision manufacturing. Operates in the same enabling laser ecosystem as LightFab and could horizontally integrate into glass micro-fabrication equipment.
- SCHOTT: Global specialty glass manufacturer with deep R&D in glass microstructuring, microfluidics, and photolithographic/etch-based glass processing. Operates across far broader glass categories than LightFab but overlaps in precision glass components for medical, semiconductor, and photonics customers.
- EOS: Major industrial 3D printing systems vendor with established equipment-plus-services business across polymer and metal additive manufacturing. Comparable business model in industrial 3D printing, though not in glass — a potential adjacent market entrant as glass AM matures.
- Corning: Global glass and ceramics giant with active development of precision glass substrates, wafer-level glass, and glass interposers for semiconductor and photonics packaging. Indirectly competing for the same end-customer applications LightFab serves, but at vastly larger scale and broader portfolio.
Direct peers
- 3D MicroPrint: German provider of precision micro 3D printing services and equipment based on two-photon polymerization, targeting micro-optics, microfluidics, and medical device components. Direct competitor for µm-scale parts customers and a comparable equipment-plus-service model.
- FEMTOprint: Swiss company offering 3D micro-manufacturing of glass and polymer devices using femtosecond laser-based processes analogous to LightFab's SLE. Serves the same microfluidics, photonics, and biomedical customers with comparable µm-scale precision and acts as the closest head-to-head competitor in the glass micro-fabrication category.
- Translume: US-based manufacturer of fused silica and glass microdevices using ultrafast laser writing followed by chemical etching — the same core physics as LightFab's SLE process. Comparable product offering (custom glass microcomponents), similar customer base, and overlapping application areas in microfluidics and photonics.
Emerging players
- Nanoscribe: Specialist in two-photon polymerization-based 3D micro-printing for microfluidics, micro-optics, and photonics. Targets overlapping precision applications as LightFab but uses a polymer-based additive process rather than glass, making it a complementary/competing solution for customers weighing precision approaches.
- Glassomer: German startup enabling glass micro-part fabrication via a proprietary glass nanocomposite and stereolithography-based 3D printing. Adjacent technology approach to LightFab's but at earlier commercialization stage; competes in overlapping microfluidics and micro-optics use cases.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
LightFab social profiles
Digital presenceLightFab compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
LightFab financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
LightFab leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
LightFab subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
LightFab funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
LightFab 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 LightFab
What does LightFab do?
LightFab manufactures microstructured glass components using its proprietary SLE (Selective Laser-Induced Etching) process — a two-stage workflow combining ultrafast UKP laser modification with selective wet chemical etching — and sells the LightFab 3D Printer capital system (hardware plus CAD/CAM and machine control software) that runs the same process. Customers can either order finished glass parts from LightFab's Job-Shop service (single orders, prototyping, small series, or mass production) or purchase the 3D Printer for in-house production.
Is LightFab a public or private company?
LightFab is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was LightFab founded?
LightFab was founded in 2013. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is LightFab based?
LightFab is headquartered in Aachen, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does LightFab make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Job-Shop / Contract Manufacturing is the primary driver. The others are lightFab 3D Printer Sales and SLE Technology Licensing (implied).
Who are LightFab's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Trumpf, IPG Photonics, SCHOTT, EOS and Corning. Direct peers are 3D MicroPrint, FEMTOprint and Translume. Emerging players are Nanoscribe and Glassomer.
Does LightFab have an API?
No public API is recorded for LightFab.
What industry is LightFab in?
LightFab's product category is Precision Glass Microfabrication Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAAADAC, Ceramic & Glass 3D Printing Services. Its NAICS code is 327215 and its SIC code is 3231.