Prima Additive
Prima Additive (now AltForm), a Turin-based Italian firm, produces industrial laser additive systems including Laser Powder Bed Fusion and Direct Energy Deposition equipment. Majority-owned by Japan's Sodick since 2025, the company supplies aerospace, automotive, defense, and energy customers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersCollegno, Italy
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Prima Additive does
Prima Additive, rebranded to AltForm in 2025, is an Italian industrial laser additive manufacturing company headquartered in Turin. It designs, manufactures, and integrates Laser Powder Bed Fusion systems across the Print 100, 200, 300, and 400 series (with single-, dual-, and quad-laser configurations and working volumes from 130×130 mm up to 420×420×1000 mm); Direct Energy Deposition platforms branded ZENIT Cell in single-process, multi-process, and inert-gas-chamber variants (1600×1200×700 mm working volume, ≥2 kW laser); and high-speed laser cladding systems branded Rapid Coating Cell in RC Proto, RC Flex, and RC Fast variants, with throughput ranging from ~10,000 to ~250,000 brake discs per year. Underlying technologies include powder- and wire-based DED (WAAM), laser welding, and surface treatments. The company's proprietary differentiator is what it describes as the only commercially available blue-laser powder bed fusion system (Print Blue 100, 450nm wavelength) for processing reflective metals.
The company sells exclusively through a high-touch enterprise sales model with custom-configured systems and pricing per quote; no public e-commerce or list pricing exists. Revenue derives from three streams: (1) hardware sales of machines across the Print, ZENIT, and Rapid Coating families; (2) customization and integration services spanning production line co-design, factory automation layout, and digital infrastructure integration; and (3) training, upgrades, and continuous-improvement support sold under multi-year contracts. Its explicit five-step methodology (Analysis, Material scouting, Customization and line integration, Test and refinement, Continuous improvement) signals a project-based, consultative motion rather than transactional distribution. An AI-powered integrated software platform for production-floor workflows, monitoring, and operator support is delivered alongside hardware, although AI is positioned as a feature rather than a standalone product.
AltForm serves manufacturers in five end-markets — aerospace, automotive, energy/oil & gas, defense, and universities/research — with aerospace, automotive, energy, and defense identified as primary verticals and focused applications including lightweight components, brake-disc coatings for Euro 7 compliance, large structural parts, and reactive-material processing of titanium and aluminum. The company became a majority-owned subsidiary of Japan's Sodick Co., Ltd. in May 2025, after which it rebranded to AltForm to reflect positioning as a full-service laser automation partner within the Sodick group. Geographic presence is centered in Europe, with active expansion into North American and Turkish defense markets signaled for 2026.
Prima Additive firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Prima Additive
- Legal name
- AltForm S.r.l.
- Website
- https://primaadditive.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Prima Additive (now AltForm), a Turin-based Italian firm, produces industrial laser additive systems including Laser Powder Bed Fusion and Direct Energy Deposition equipment. Majority-owned by Japan's Sodick since 2025, the company supplies aerospace, automotive, defense, and energy customers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Prima Additive industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Metal Additive Manufacturing Equipment
- NAICS
- Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing (33351)
- SIC
- Metalworkg Machinery & Equipment (3540)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Metal 3D Printers (LPBF/SLM/DMLS, Binder Jetting, DED/LENS/WAAM) (IMAAAAAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- 3D Printer Automation & Peripheral Hardware (Material Handling, Depowdering, Build Units) (IMAAAAAL), Additive Manufacturing for Metals (Metal 3D Printers & Post-Processing) (IMAHADAG)
Keywords
Where Prima Additive is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Collegno
- HQ country
- Italy
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Prima Additive business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Industrial Additive Manufacturing Equipment Sales: Sale of laser-based additive manufacturing systems including Powder Bed Fusion machines (Print 100/200/300/400 Series), DED platforms (ZENIT Cell), and Rapid Coating Cells. Machines are sold with varying configurations (single/dual/quad lasers) and working volumes to meet different production requirements.
- Customization and Integration Services: Machine customization, production line co-design, and integration services tailored to customer factory layouts, workflows, and digital infrastructure requirements.
- Training and Ongoing Support: Training and assistance services including continuous improvement support, updates, training, and upgrades to help customers evolve their solutions with production and market demands.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom quote-based pricing for industrial laser additive manufacturing systems |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
Prima Additive product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Prima Additive designs, manufactures, and sells industrial metal additive manufacturing machines based on Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technologies. The company supplies full systems (Print series, ZENIT Cell, Rapid Coating Cell), an integrated software platform, automation cells, and supporting services such as customization, integration, and training. Its customers are industrial manufacturers and research institutions that need metal 3D printing equipment and turnkey additive production cells.
Product overview
Prima Additive has rebranded to AltForm - a full-service laser automation partner offering advanced laser and metal additive manufacturing solutions. The product portfolio includes Powder Bed Fusion systems (Print 100, 200, 300, and 400 Series with single to quad laser configurations), Direct Energy Deposition systems (ZENIT Cell with single, multi-process, and inert gas chamber variants), and Rapid Coating systems (RC Proto, RC Flex, and RC Fast for industrial laser cladding). These products serve industries including automotive, aerospace, energy oil and gas, and research institutions. The company also provides an AI-powered integrated software platform for production management. Technologies offered include Laser Powder Bed Fusion, Powder-based DED, Wire-based DED and WAAM, and Laser Welding and Surface Treatments.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Print 100/200/300/400 Series (LPBF systems) Industrial Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) metal 3D printing systems with multi-laser architecture, sold in 100/200/300/400 series configurations for different build volumes and productivity needs. Used by aerospace, automotive, energy, and industrial manufacturers for serial production of complex metal parts.
- Print Bright (large format LPBF) Large-format Laser Powder Bed Fusion system designed to build oversized metal parts in a single setup, addressing size constraints of standard LPBF machines. Targeted at industrial customers needing large metal components.
- Print Genius (small to medium LPBF) Compact Laser Powder Bed Fusion system targeted at small-to-medium build volumes, suitable for research labs, prototyping, and small-series production. Used by universities, R&D centers, and manufacturers entering metal additive manufacturing.
- ZENIT Cell (DED cell) Turnkey Directed Energy Deposition (DED) cell that enables industrial customers to perform large-part metal additive manufacturing, repair, and feature build-up. Designed for integration into production environments such as aerospace, automotive, and energy.
- Rapid Coating Cell (DED coating system) Directed Energy Deposition-based rapid coating cell that applies wear- and corrosion-resistant metal coatings to industrial components. Used by energy, oil & gas, and heavy-industry customers to extend the life of high-value parts.
- Customization, Integration and Training Services Service offering covering customer-specific customization of machines, integration of additive systems into the customer's production environment, and training programs for operators and engineers. Sold alongside Prima Additive equipment to industrial customers.
Quantifiable outcome
- Up to 250,000 brake discs per year with Rapid Coating Cell RC Fast configuration
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Prima Additive
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Prima Additive technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability7 records
Feature5 records
Prima Additive partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- EFFRA (European Factories of the Future Research Association)minorAltForm officially became a member of EFFRA in April 2026. The membership was announced during the EFFRA General Assembly held in Brussels. EFFRA brings together European industry and research stakeholders to advance manufacturing innovation.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Prima Additive competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Renishaw: UK-based manufacturer of RenAM 500 series metal PBF systems with multi-laser configurations. Direct competitor in LPBF hardware for aerospace and medical applications with comparable product positioning.
- Nikon SLM Solutions: Direct competitor in multi-laser LPBF systems (SLM 280, 500, 800, NXG XII 600) targeting aerospace, automotive, and energy serial production. Closely comparable in multi-laser architecture and serial-production positioning.
- Optomec: US-based specialist in Directed Energy Deposition (DED) systems including LENS powder-based DED for reactive metals and repair applications. Direct comparable to AltForm's ZENIT Cell DED platform, particularly for aerospace MRO.
- AddUp: Joint venture between Fives and Michelin offering FormUp PBF systems and BeAM DED machines. Direct competitor in both PBF and DED, with strong industrial customer base in automotive and aerospace.
- EOS GmbH: Germany-based global leader in industrial metal laser powder bed fusion systems (EOS M, P, and R series). Direct overlap with AltForm's Print 100–400 PBF family, serving aerospace, automotive, and medical customers with comparable hardware and software stacks.
- Velo3D: US-based metal PBF specialist with Sapphire and Flow systems targeting aerospace and defense serial production, including large-format and reactive-metal parts. Closely comparable in aerospace/defense go-to-market and throughput-driven positioning.
- 3D Systems: US-based metal AM systems vendor with DMP Flex and Factory series PBF systems plus Figure 4 technology. Direct competitor across multiple metal AM verticals, with complementary software and services portfolio.
Broad incumbents
- TRUMPF: German industrial laser and machine tool giant offering TruPrint PBF systems (1000–3000 series) for industrial metal AM. Competes broadly across automotive, aerospace, and medical with integrated laser-source expertise.
- GE Additive: Broad metal AM incumbent operating Concept Laser (M LINE FACTORY) and Arcam (EBM) product lines across powder bed fusion and electron beam melting, with deep aerospace and defense customer relationships through GE Aerospace.
- DMG Mori: Large Japanese-German machine tool and industrial equipment manufacturer with LASERTEC series metal AM systems (including DED powder nozzle and hybrid combinations). Strategic comparable given the Japanese parent context of AltForm/Sodick.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Prima Additive social profiles
Digital presencePrima Additive financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Prima Additive leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Prima Additive funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Prima Additive 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 Prima Additive
What does Prima Additive do?
Prima Additive designs, manufactures, and sells industrial metal additive manufacturing machines based on Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technologies. The company supplies full systems (Print series, ZENIT Cell, Rapid Coating Cell), an integrated software platform, automation cells, and supporting services such as customization, integration, and training. Its customers are industrial manufacturers and research institutions that need metal 3D printing equipment and turnkey additive production cells.
Is Prima Additive a public or private company?
Prima Additive is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Prima Additive founded?
Prima Additive was founded in 2018. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Prima Additive based?
Prima Additive is headquartered in Collegno, Italy, in the Europe region.
How does Prima Additive make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Industrial Additive Manufacturing Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are customization and Integration Services and training and Ongoing Support.
Who are Prima Additive's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Renishaw, Nikon SLM Solutions, Optomec, AddUp, EOS GmbH, Velo3D and 3D Systems. Broad incumbents are TRUMPF, GE Additive and DMG Mori.
Does Prima Additive have an API?
No public API is recorded for Prima Additive.
What industry is Prima Additive in?
Prima Additive's product category is Industrial Metal Additive Manufacturing Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAAAAAB, Metal 3D Printers (LPBF/SLM/DMLS, Binder Jetting, DED/LENS/WAAM), with a secondary code of IMAAAAAL, 3D Printer Automation & Peripheral Hardware (Material Handling, Depowdering, Build Units). Its NAICS code is 33351 and its SIC code is 3540.