What Formes et volumes does

Formes et Volumes is a French private limited company (SARL) founded in 1998 and headquartered in Aytré, near La Rochelle, specializing in professional model-making, large-format 3D machining of soft non-metallic materials, master model and composite mold fabrication, and precision metrology. The company operates a ~1,200 m² workshop equipped with six CNC machining centers (3-, 5-, and 6-axis, including a CMS Ares 5-axis unit), robot-assisted large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) from Caracol AM, hot-wire cutting, composite layup, and a Leica Absolute Tracker AT901 MR-based metrology service with ±15 µm + 6 µm/m precision. In 2023 it also added a dedicated woodworking/cabinetmaking cell and a collaborative virtual-reality design-validation suite (WEIVIZ/Studio Pro, formerly Meshroom VR).

The company sells on a project-by-project, quote-based basis to B2B customers across at least ten industries: nautical (its primary vertical, with long-tenured relationships with approximately ten major European shipyards including Amel, Beneteau, Couach, CNB Yacht, Fountaine-Pajot, and Wauquiez), architecture and urban planning (Bouygues, OCAR/EDEN Promotion), automotive (RS Simulation, Solution F, Döpple Studio for Adidas/Citadium), aerospace (STELIA Aerospace, Aéro Composites Saintonge), industrial/composites (EQUANS, ABB, NEOTEC, Stanley Robotics, DELAIR, YellowScan), education and research (ISAT Formula Team, SINTEF/Centrale Nantes), and art/cultural institutions (Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion). Distribution is direct via a commercial team responding to inbound inquiries, supplemented by trade-show presence in Europe, Asia, and North America for the nautical vertical.

Revenue mechanics are dominated by one-time, project-based fees for prototyping, molds, custom furniture, and metrology engagements, with a nascent recurring element from WEIVIZ VR software subscriptions. The company employs roughly 18–20 FTEs across modeling, machining/CNC programming, cabinetmaking, digital/metrology, and management functions, and is actively hiring a Workshop Manager to scale its modelage/prototypes team. Go-to-market is sales-led with event-driven amplification; there is no public pricing, no disclosed investors, no parent or subsidiary entities, and no M&A activity on record.

Name

Formes et volumes

Legal name

Formes et Volumes

Website

https://formes-et-volumes.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Formes et Volumes is a French model-making and prototyping firm (founded 1998, Aytré/La Rochelle) providing large-format 3D machining, composite mold fabrication, LFAM 3D printing, metrology, and VR design validation to shipyards, architects, and industrial clients across Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Custom Manufacturing & Prototyping Services (Large-Format Model Making)

NAICS

Industrial Mold Manufacturing (333511)

SIC

Miscellaneous Furniture & Fixtures (2590)

akta.pro primary industry

Electronics & Industrial Component 3D Printing Services (enclosures, fixtures, functional parts) (IMAAADAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Prototype Jigs, Fixtures & Assembly Aids (Additive) (IMAAAFAE)

Keywords

• Large-format 3D machining
• Composite mold fabrication
• Professional model making
• Dimensional metrology services
• Collaborative VR design validation

Headquarters

HQ city

Aytré

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Prototypes et Maquettes Professionnelles: Custom fabrication of professional prototypes and scale models (boats, architecture, urban planning, cars, aircraft) — one-time project-based revenue with per-project pricing.
2. Moules et Outillages: Manufacturing of master models and composite molds for industrial production runs — typically one-time custom tooling with pricing per project.
3. Mobilier et Agencement sur Mesure: Custom design furniture and interior fit-outs — one-time project revenue with bespoke pricing.
4. Métrologie et Contrôle Dimensionnel: 3D scanning and dimensional control services — billed per project or service engagement.
5. Réalité Virtuelle (Licences WEIVIZ): Sale of WEIVIZ VR software licenses (Studio and Studio Pro) with demo/test services offered at F&V or client site.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Formes et Volumes manufactures professional prototypes, master models, composite molds, and large-format scale models using 3D machining of soft materials (polystyrene, polyurethane foam, wood, composites) combined with 5/6-axis CNC milling, robot-assisted LFAM 3D printing, hand craftsmanship, and 3D metrology. The company offers professional models (boats, architecture, urban planning), large-format molds for industrial composite production, custom furniture, dimensional control services, and collaborative virtual reality design validation (WEIVIZ/Meshroom VR). It serves enterprise clients across nautical, architecture, industrial, automotive, aerospace, and art sectors with project-based, quote-driven engagements delivered from its 1,200 m² workshop in Aytré, France.

Product overview

Formes et volumes is a French professional model-making and prototyping company offering a comprehensive suite of manufacturing services. The company operates from a 1,200 m² facility in Aytré (near La Rochelle) and provides 3D machining of soft materials, master model and mold fabrication for composites, large-format 3D printing (LFAM), 3D metrology and scanning, custom furniture and fitting, virtual reality design validation (Weiviz/Meshroom VR), and professional model making across multiple categories including boats, architecture, urban planning, competition models, and hull testing tank models. The company serves industries including nautical, architecture, automotive, aerospace, and art, combining traditional craftsmanship with advanced CNC machining (up to 6-axis) and digital technologies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 3D Machining of Soft Materials (Usinage 3D) Large-format 3D machining and hot-wire cutting of polystyrene (PSE, XPS), high-density polyurethane foam (PU, PIR), wood panels (MDF, Agglomerate, Melamine, solid wood), and composites. For industrial manufacturers, shipyards, architects, and design studios requiring prototypes, molds, and models in very large dimensions.
• Master Model & Polyester Mold Fabrication (Maître-Modèle et Moule) Design and manufacturing of boat molds, production molds for composite industries (polyester molds, concrete molds), contact molding, infusion, injection, and casting in very large dimensions. For shipyards, composite manufacturers, and concrete/construction firms needing large-format production tooling.
• Prototype Manufacturing (Réalisation de Prototypes) Prototype manufacturing including mock-ups, interior/exterior trim, volume models, concept cars, hull fairings, hoods, and other parts at scale 1/1. For automotive, aerospace, industrial, and design clients needing full-scale functional prototypes.
• Large-Format 3D Printing (Impression 3D LFAM) Robot-assisted large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) using Caracol AM technology, printing in ABS-GF (glass fiber-loaded), PETG-GF, and PU foam for molds, tooling, and large-scale prototypes with build envelope up to 2m x 1.5m x 2m in a single build. For industrial clients needing large-format 3D-printed parts and molds.
• 3D Metrology & Scanning Services (Métrologie Tridimensionnelle) Tridimensional control and 3D scanning using Leica Absolute Tracker AT901 MR (precision ±15 µm + 6 µ/m), Leica T-SCAN 50 MR scanner, and Leica T-Probe, with VxElement and Polyworks Inspector/Polyworks Metrology Suite for reporting. Conducted in workshop or on-site for prototypes, machined parts, complex assemblies, and mechanical systems. For industrial manufacturers and engineering firms needing dimensional verification.
• WEIVIZ Collaborative Virtual Reality (formerly Meshroom VR Studio) Collaborative virtual reality solution for design validation, supporting multi-user/multi-object VR sessions for concept review, prototype comparison, and marketing presentations. Available as Studio and Studio Pro software licenses with optional on-site demo services. For design teams, architects, and industrial clients needing to iterate designs in an ecological, economical, and instant manner before physical prototyping.
• Custom Furniture & Interior Fit-Out (Mobilier et Agencement Sur-Mesure) Custom design furniture manufacturing integrating digital and composite techniques, including interior layouts, retail spaces, public spaces, exceptional furniture, decorations, and large-format sculptural pieces. For retail brands, luxury brands, architects, designers, and private clients needing bespoke installations.
• Professional Boat Models (Maquettes de Bateaux Professionnelles) Professional boat models presented at European, Asian, and North American nautical trade shows, covering day boats, fishing boats, pleasure boats, catamarans, trimarans, yachts, racing sailboats, merchant ships, and patrol vessels. For shipyards, naval architects, and yacht designers needing high-fidelity presentation and study models.
• Architecture Models (Maquettes d'Architecture) Architecture models for real estate projects (collective and individual), serving as essential sales support for pre-plan sales (VEFA). White models and color models delivered at typical scales (1/200). For architects, real estate developers, and construction companies.
• Urban Planning Models (Maquettes d'Urbanisme) Urban planning models for presenting urban development or redevelopment projects, available as static or animated, fixed or evolutive versions. For urban planners, municipalities, and real estate developers.
• Architecture Competition Models (Maquettes de Concours) Competition and study models for architecture competitions, providing faithful representation of projects at reduced scales (1/500 or smaller). For architectural firms entering design competitions.
• Hull Tank Testing Models (Maquettes de Bassin de Carène) Hull tank testing models combining precision and quality finishes for scale models up to 10 meters long, used for hydrodynamic or hydroacoustic behavior testing (PropVelBa, towing tank, carène basins). For shipyards, naval architects, and research institutes (e.g., SINTEF / Centrale Nantes) conducting basin trials.

Quantifiable outcome

• Models produced for approximately 10 major European shipyards on an ongoing basis
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers34 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, minor and core.

• Région Nouvelle AquitainesupportingOthersRegional council supports Formes et Volumes through training, innovation, and financing programs for regional businesses.
• CdA La Rochelle (Communauté d'agglomération de La Rochelle)supportingOthersLa Rochelle metropolitan area provides business support and entrepreneurship facilitation programs.
• ArmadasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness network of companies in the La Rochelle region, initiated by the CCI La Rochelle, to develop exchanges and collaboration among members.
• Atlantic Cluster (formerly La Rochelle Nautic Network)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional SME network for the nautical industry, initiated by CCI La Rochelle to foster economic growth and professional links in the regional nautical sector.
• Offensiv' PMEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional network of industrial SMEs and business services companies for the development of managerial skills.
• EnvolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental partnership in which Formes et Volumes implements practices to identify, manage, and reduce its environmental impacts.
• LR2N (Professionnels du Nautisme La Rochelle)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation of nautical industry professionals in La Rochelle. Formes et Volumes is a member and provides multiple services from model making to mold construction for the nautical industry.
• Caracol AMcoreTechnology or IntegrationItalian technology partner for large-format robot-assisted 3D printing (LFAM). Formes et Volumes trained in Italy and acquired Caracol AM equipment installed October 2023 in Aytré workshop.
• SINTEF / Centrale NantesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on the PropVelBa project: scale 1/65 model of SOBC-1 bulk carrier for towing tank testing at Centrale Nantes, funded by Carnot MERS institute.
• CMP CompositesupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnership for composite manufacturing projects such as the Clamart town hall interior design installation.
• Bouclard DécominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChrome wrapping partner for decorative installations (e.g., Clamart town hall chrome trees).
• François Cante PacossupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing collaboration with the artist for digitization, machining, mold making, and composite furniture production. Artist uses Meshroom VR for project development.
• ISAT Formula TeamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partner for Formula Student team: manufacturing of monocoque mold and aerodynamic wing package for racing car.
• Jeromebienvenu.comsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for custom furniture pieces from automotive hoods/trunks (Porsche series) exhibited at RetroMobile show.
• AlterlabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesign and architecture studio partnership for interior fit-out projects in the La Rochelle area.
• Atelier CrayonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLa Rochelle-based design studio for custom furniture projects such as the 6.6m Siberian birch counter for an optician.
• Döpple StudiosupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesign studio collaboration for large-scale sculptural installations including the Adidas Stan Smith shoe installation at Citadium Paris.
• Aculo / Atelier LRminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorScenography and painting partner for event installations (e.g., Pizza Delamama GP Explorer project).
• NEOTECsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMold manufacturing for road/rail catenary maintenance vehicle nacelle enclosure.
• EQUANSsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerComposite mold manufacturing using 3D printing (ABS-GF) and polyester gelcoat finishing for industrial applications.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/formesetvolumes
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC8o835g18NoiMfg40m8KA4w
• Facebookfacebook.com/formes-et-volumes-185450074482
• Pinterestpinterest.fr/adessirier
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/formes-et-volumes

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 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 Formes et volumes