Strasbourg – – October 18, 2026 -- Strasbourg-based startup AMFREE says its wire laser additive manufacturing (WLAM) technology cut the lead time for a stainless steel mold from 12 months to 3 weeks. The company says the process can produce metal parts of up to 5 metres, which it describes as the largest in Europe.
Pilot unit deposits iron-, nickel-based and hardfacing materials
AMFREE's pilot unit processes iron-based and nickel-based alloys as well as hardfacing materials. Co-founder Félix Boisselier, who leads technical activities, and Sales Director Clément Knittel are scheduled to present the technology in a digital session on June 26, 2026, from 11:15 to 12:00.
ArianeGroup tests three aluminum alloys for rocket parts
In a collaboration with ArianeGroup, AMFREE tested three aluminum alloys for rocket components. Alloy 2319 reached strength above 400 MPa. Alloy 5183 proved harder to deposit but cost-effective.
Deformation and back reflections created process challenges. AMFREE responded with a multi-wire nozzle that doubled deposit rates and improved process control.
AMFREE One brings the nozzle into industrial production
The nozzle is now built into AMFREE One, an industrial WLAM machine with real-time monitoring, launched last year. The first production cell entered operation six months ago.
AMFREE sells the machine together with software and services. It targets aerospace, energy, defense and railway customers, with applications in high-value parts, repairs and cladding.