Fortius Metals, a company located in Colorado and specializing in supplying metal wires for additive manufacturing (AM), has secured an additional $2 million in Seed+ funding, resulting in a total funding round of $5 million. The recent injection of capital includes participation from Finindus, a Belgian venture capital (VC) firm supported by the renowned global steel corporation ArcelorMittal, as a new investor.
Fortius, a subsidiary of Elementum, has a distinct and elegant concept. They aim to produce wire versions of the materials that Elementum currently supplies in powder form. Fortius has a strong focus on the aerospace and defense industry, particularly in hypersonic applications. In fact, they were awarded a contract from the US Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program in March 2024 to fast-track the qualification of their IN625-RAM2 wire.
Fortius CEO Jeff Lints stated in a press release that Fortius Metals has garnered significant customer interest, and this investment will facilitate the introduction of innovative products to the market. These include our exclusive 6061-RAM2 and 7075-RAM2 aluminum welding wires, which effectively address the longstanding issue of ‘hot cracking’. Through our expertise in robotic welding processes, we enable our customers to fabricate designs that were previously unachievable. Looking ahead to 2025, our company plans to launch new wire alloys with advanced properties, such as IN625-RAM, 316L-RAM, and 5183-RAM. We take pride in being a Colorado-based company, alongside numerous space and defense clientele.
Roel Callebaut, Senior Investment Manager at Finindus, said, “Fortius Metals is pushing the boundaries of wire-based [AM] with their unique materials and process expertise. We are excited to support their mission to revolutionize the production of large and complex parts without compromising material performance. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering innovative and sustainable industrial technologies.”
Wire has been at the forefront of promising commercial opportunities in metal additive manufacturing (AM) in recent years. Examples include AML3D, a young Australian company that has successfully scaled up its wire arc AM technology for sale to the Department of Defense (DoD) and its suppliers. Additionally, Lincoln Electric, an established player in the industry, has achieved a significant milestone by 3D printing the largest civil works part using wire arc AM. Compared to metal powders, potential adopters may find that wire offers a simpler and less complex solution for entering the world of AM.
SMEs play a crucial role in the success of the US defense industrial base’s (DIB) reshoring goals. Encouraging rapid adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) among these SMEs is essential. Wire-based AM technology offers certain advantages, such as fewer safety hazards compared to powder-based AM and easier storage. These benefits might convince skeptical SMEs to embrace metal AM.
The ongoing progress of robotic arm 3D printing is expected to provide significant advantages specifically to wire-based processes. Consequently, it will be worthwhile to closely monitor Fortius Metals as an indicator of potential changes in metal additive manufacturing preferences.
