SATO

What SATO does

SATO Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG is a German manufacturer of premium CNC-controlled gantry and cantilever cutting machines, headquartered in Mönchengladbach and operating since 1989. Its portfolio spans three product families: (i) autogenous/oxyfuel and plasma cutting systems organized into a Compact Line (entry-level plug-and-play), a Performance Line (mid-range fully integrated), and an Individual Line (modular heavy-duty machines supporting track widths up to 20,000 mm and material thicknesses up to 600 mm); (ii) fiber-laser cutting systems delivered as Compact Frame, Smart Frame, and Heavy Duty Frame configurations with laser power classes from 2 kW up to 20 kW; and (iii) the Lunovu additive manufacturing line for LMD/DED processes, comprising pLMD portal systems, rLMD robot-based systems on KUKA/ABB/Comau robots, and cLMD rotary coating machines — all operated through the proprietary LunoSUITE software stack (LunoCAM, LunoBUILD, LunoSCAN, LunoSIM, LunoCOAT). Core system architecture uses heavy machine beds, precision linear guides, a thermally separated cutting/extraction design, and Siemens Sinumerik One CNC controls with OPC-UA/Industry 4.0 connectivity on portal systems.

The company sells exclusively B2B to European steel and metalworking enterprises via direct field sales (phone, email, contact form), with quote-based individual pricing and no public list price. Reference customers include Liebherr, RWE, SMS Group, Salzgitter Mannesmann Stahlhandel, Cimtas, Lammers Formen- und Maschinenbau, Hedemann Technik, and Voss Stahl- & Metallbau — large industrial buyers in heavy engineering, energy, metallurgical plant engineering, and steel processing. Revenue is generated through capital-equipment sales across the three product families, OEM components and consumables (plasma sources from Kjellberg/Hypertherm, cutting heads from Precitec, gas systems from Hoerbiger), and recurring services including operator training, DGUV-3 statutory safety inspections, remote diagnostics, and repair/retrofit. Since April 2022 the company has operated as a subsidiary of Heinrich Schmidt Holding GmbH & Co. KG.

Name

SATO

Legal name

SATO Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://sato.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

SATO Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG is a German manufacturer of premium CNC-controlled autogenous, plasma, and fiber-laser cutting machines, plus Lunovu LMD/DED additive manufacturing systems, serving steel, metalworking, energy, and heavy-industry enterprises across Europe via direct B2B sales, supported by proprietary LunoSUITE software, OEM components, training, and DGUV-3 service.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial CNC Cutting Machinery

NAICS

Machine Tool Manufacturing (333517), Welding and Soldering Equipment Manufacturing (333992)

SIC

Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559)

akta.pro primary industry

Sheet Metal Machinery (Laser/Plasma/Waterjet Cutting, Punching) (IMAHADAD)

Keywords

• CNC cutting machines
• Plasma cutting systems
• Fiber laser cutting
• Additive manufacturing systems
• Thermal cutting equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Mönchengladbach

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. CNC Cutting Machine Sales: Sale of premium CNC-controlled cutting machines across three product lines: Compact Line (entry-level/plug-and-play), Performance Line (fully integrated mid-range), and Individual Line (custom/modular heavy-duty). Machines cover autogenous/oxyfuel, plasma, and fiber laser cutting technologies. Machines are sold as capital equipment with individual pricing.
2. Additive Manufacturing Systems (Lunovu Brand): Sale of industrial additive manufacturing systems under the Lunovu brand for LMD/DED processes using powder and/or wire feedstock. Includes portal systems (pLMD), robot-based systems (rLMD), and turning-machine-based coating systems (cLMD), as well as proprietary LunoSUITE software.
3. Service, Maintenance & Aftermarket: Comprehensive service revenue stream including training (practical operator training for CNC and cutting machine operation/programming), maintenance and DGUV-3 safety inspections (regulatory compliance testing), remote diagnostics via remote maintenance technology, and repairs and retrofits (bringing machines back to operational state or full upgrades). Spare and wear parts for machines are also sold.
4. OEM Components and Consumables: Sale of original spare parts and wear parts for own machines as well as OEM-supplied components such as plasma power sources (Kjellberg Q series, Hypertherm XPR series) and laser cutting heads (Precitec Procutter/Lightcutter).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

SATO Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG manufactures and sells premium CNC-controlled cutting machines for autogenous/oxyfuel, plasma, and fiber laser thermal cutting processes, as well as industrial additive manufacturing systems (LMD/DED technology marketed under the Lunovu brand). The portfolio spans a plug-and-play Compact Line, an integrated Performance Line, modular heavy-duty Individual Line systems with track widths up to 20,000 mm, and three fiber laser series from 2 kW to 20 kW. The company also sells proprietary LunoSUITE software for additive manufacturing and provides training, DGUV-3 inspection, remote diagnostics, repair, and retrofit services.

Product overview

SATO Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG is a German manufacturer of premium CNC cutting machines and additive manufacturing systems. The product portfolio consists of three main lines: (1) Autogen & Plasma cutting systems comprising the Compact Line (plug-and-play 2D systems), Performance Line (fully integrated machines), and Individual Line (modular heavy-duty systems for track widths up to 20,000 mm); (2) Fiber laser cutting systems including Compact Frame (up to 6 kW), Smart Frame (2–6 kW), and Heavy Duty Frame (8–20 kW) series; and (3) Lunovu additive manufacturing brand offering pLMD portal systems (up to 20 m³ build volume), rLMD robot-based systems, and cLMD rotary coating machines, supported by proprietary software including LunoSUITE, LunoCAM, LunoBUILD, LunoSCAN, LunoSIM, and LunoCOAT. The company also provides service offerings including training, maintenance/DGUV-3 inspection, remote diagnostics, and repair/retrofit services. All products are designed and manufactured in Germany.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lunovu: Brand for additive manufacturing of metallic materials (LMD/DED) with powder and/or wire, including pLMD portal systems, rLMD robot-based systems, and cLMD coating machines for rotationally symmetric components. Also includes LunoSUITE software solutions (LunoCAM, LunoBUILD, LunoSCAN, LunoSIM, LunoCOAT).

Products and services

• Compact Line Plug & Play 2D plasma and autogenous cutting system designed for space-constrained environments with a working area of 1,600 x 3,300 mm, supporting Kjellberg Q or Hypertherm XPR plasma sources. Targets industrial metalworking customers needing entry-level thermal cutting.
• Performance Line Fully integrated autogen/plasma cutting machine with working areas of 2,100 x 4,400 mm or 2,100 x 6,600 mm, offering superior accessibility and optional hardware keyboard for demanding production environments.
• Individual Line Modular cutting system for the heaviest applications with track widths up to 20,000 mm, High Definition Plasma up to 600 A, autogenous cutting up to 600 mm material thickness, with optional drilling up to 40 mm diameter and thread cutting up to M30.
• Compact Frame Laser Fiber laser cutting system ideal for confined spaces with a 3,000 x 1,500 mm work area, standard 6 kW power, Precitec Procutter cutting head, Hoerbiger gas system, and 21.5-inch multitouch control.
• Smart Frame Laser Fiber laser system with an attractive price-performance ratio, available in standard work areas from 3,000 x 1,500 mm up to 6,000 x 2,500 mm, with power classes of 2 kW, 4 kW, or 6 kW.
• Heavy Duty Frame Laser Reinforced fiber laser cutting system for high power classes and thick material thicknesses, available in 8 kW, 12 kW, and 20 kW configurations.
• Lunovu pLMD Portal-based additive manufacturing system for maximum productivity using LMD/DED technology with powder and/or wire, featuring build volumes up to 20 cubic meters and up to 16 kW deposition power. Standard equipment with Siemens Sinumerik One CNC control.
• Lunovu rLMD Robot-based additive manufacturing system for maximum flexibility using 6-axis industrial robots (KUKA, ABB, or Comau), ideal for coating, repair, and complex 3D applications without CAD data, using direct scanning and automatic path planning.
• Lunovu cLMD Rotary coating machine for coating shafts and conveyor screws using LMD/DED technology up to EHLA, with proprietary software for coating tasks directly integrated on machine control.
• LunoSUITE Proprietary software suite for Lunovu additive manufacturing systems, offering integrated solutions from component scanning and path planning to simulation directly on the machine control. Encompasses LunoCAM, LunoBUILD, LunoSCAN, LunoSIM, and LunoCOAT modules.
• Training Services Practice-oriented training programs designed to help employees become experts in operating and programming CNC and cutting machines.
• Maintenance and DGUV-3 Inspection Comprehensive maintenance and testing services ensuring efficient and compliant operation of CNC and cutting machines in accordance with DGUV-3 regulations.
• Remote Diagnostics and Support Quick and efficient support through advanced remote maintenance technology that does not require an on-site technician, keeping CNC and cutting machines in optimal operating condition.
• Repair and Retrofit Fast and reliable solutions to restore CNC and cutting machines to operation, including comprehensive retrofits to extend machine functionality and lifespan.

Quantifiable outcome

• SATO states that its modular baukasten system ensures highest quality, longevity, and performance of machines.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Heinrich Schmidt Holding GmbH & Co. KGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2022Heinrich Schmidt Holding acquired SATO Maschinenbau in April 2022, making SATO a subsidiary of the holding company. This strategic parent relationship provides the holding structure, potentially enabling cross-selling synergies, group procurement, and shared resources across the Schmidt group companies.
• Kjellberg FinsterwaldecoreTechnology or IntegrationKjellberg is a key technology partner supplying plasma power sources for SATO's autogenous/plasma cutting machines. The Performance Line and Individual Line standardly come equipped with Kjellberg Q-series plasma sources (Q1500 to Q4500). This is a core supply relationship integral to product specifications.
• HyperthermcoreTechnology or IntegrationHypertherm is a key technology partner supplying plasma power sources (XPR series) for SATO's Compact Line and Performance Line cutting machines. Models include XPR170, XPR300, and XPR for heavier configurations. This is a core component supply relationship integral to product line specifications.
• PreciteccoreTechnology or IntegrationPrecitec supplies cutting heads for SATO fiber laser cutting machines — specifically the Procutter (Compact Frame, Smart Frame) and Lightcutter/Procutter (Smart Frame) product lines. The cutting head is a critical component in laser cutting systems, directly affecting cut quality.
• HoerbigersupportingTechnology or IntegrationHoerbiger supplies gas systems for SATO's Compact Frame laser cutting machines, managing gas delivery for the cutting process. Gas system quality is important for cut quality and process stability in laser cutting.
• KUKAsupportingTechnology or IntegrationKUKA supplies industrial robots used as the basis for SATO's rLMD (robot-based laser metal deposition) additive manufacturing systems. The rLMD platform is built on 6-axis industrial robots, with KUKA cited as an example alongside ABB and Comau.
• ABBsupportingTechnology or IntegrationABB is cited as an alternative industrial robot supplier for SATO's rLMD robot-based additive manufacturing systems, alongside KUKA and Comau. Robots form the kinematic basis for the rLMD platform.
• ComausupportingTechnology or IntegrationComau is cited as an alternative industrial robot supplier for SATO's rLMD robot-based additive manufacturing systems, alongside KUKA and ABB. Robots form the kinematic basis for the rLMD platform.
• Sinumerik (Siemens)coreTechnology or IntegrationSiemens Sinumerik One CNC control system is standard on pLMD portal additive manufacturing machines. Sinumerik One represents the latest generation of Siemens CNC technology for demanding manufacturing applications, meeting the highest control requirements.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Voortman Steel Machinery: Dutch manufacturer of CNC steel processing machines for cutting, drilling, milling, and marking of plates, profiles, and tubes. Highly comparable in end-market focus (steel fabrication) and integrated machine-plus-software offering.
• Messer Cutting Systems: German-headquartered manufacturer of thermal cutting machines (oxyfuel, plasma, laser) with gantry and cantilever architectures comparable to SATO's product portfolio. Direct competitor in the European thick-plate cutting market and one of the closest one-to-one comparables.
• HGG Profiling Equipment: Dutch specialist in 3D profiling, beveling, and cutting machines for tubes and pipes. Overlaps with SATO's tube processing and 3D cutting capabilities within the same heavy-fabrication customer base.
• TTM Laser (Sisma): Italian manufacturer of laser cutting, marking, and welding systems, including 2D fiber laser cutting machines. Comparable in compact and mid-range fiber laser cutting positioning to SATO's Compact and Smart Frame Laser lines.
• MicroStep: Slovak/EU-based manufacturer of CNC cutting machines (plasma, oxyfuel, laser, waterjet) serving steel construction, shipbuilding, and heavy industry. Directly comparable in modular cutting machine architecture and target customer profile.
• AddUp: French additive manufacturing specialist (formed from BeAM and Fives) focused on metal LMD/DED powder-bed and DED systems. The most direct comparable to SATO's Lunovu LMD/DED product line.

Broad incumbents

• Lincoln Electric: US-listed global leader in welding, cutting, and automation products. Comparable through its cutting systems portfolio and broad industrial customer base, though it is far larger and more diversified.
• Trumpf: Global German market leader in industrial laser cutting, machine tools, and additive manufacturing. A large, established incumbent operating broadly in the same cutting and AM categories as SATO, but at far greater scale.
• ESAB: Global welding and cutting company (US/Sweden) offering thermal cutting machines and consumables. Overlaps with SATO in oxyfuel and plasma cutting while operating at significantly broader global scale.
• Bystronic: Swiss-listed provider of sheet metal processing solutions, primarily laser cutting and bending. A larger incumbent serving overlapping customer segments with a broader software-and-services ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 SATO