ING3D

ING3D GmbH, founded in 2018, is a materials science company specializing in the research and development of 3D printing methods for mineral-based materials. The firm was established by co-founders David Manjura and Aleksander Sen. Manjura, a graduate engineer in materials technology with extensive experience in the construction industry, first engaged with additive manufacturing in 2015 during a project with the Technical University of Munich. Sen is a self-taught talent who has been active in the 3D printing scene for years, focusing on the design and construction of various machines.

The company's core offering is its proprietary and internationally patent-pending manufacturing process, Mineral Direct Laser Sintering (MDLS). This technology facilitates the additive manufacturing of ultra-lightweight, non-flammable, and porous objects from natural mineral raw materials, such as volcanic sand or perlite, without the need for plastic binders or other additives. The process is positioned as a significant advancement over conventional methods, claiming to be more than ten times faster and more economical than plastic 3D printing, making it suitable for industrial-scale production. The resulting products are purely mineral, temperature-stable, and ecologically sound; they can be disposed of as soil conditioners.

ING3D operates on a B2B model, collaborating with manufacturing companies to develop end products and also planning to sell serial production systems to these clients. The business model initially focuses on contract manufacturing to serve its first customers, with plans to expand by selling production plants. In 2020, the company secured a seven-figure financing round from strategic lead investor va-Q-tec AG and a co-investor, which enabled the development of an industrial pilot plant. This investment followed their victory in the 2020 North Bavaria Business Plan Competition. The company targets several industries, including high-temperature insulation for furnaces, fire protection, acoustic insulation, and air and water filtration. Other applications include decorative elements and natural coral substrates for reef reforestation.

Keywords: Mineral Direct Laser Sintering, MDLS, mineral 3D printing, additive manufacturing, lightweight materials, inorganic materials, David Manjura, Aleksander Sen, va-Q-tec AG, high-temperature insulation, fire protection, acoustic insulation, water filtration, air filtration, sustainable manufacturing, ceramic 3D printing, porous materials, perlite printing, industrial 3D printing, advanced materials, materials science, ecological construction, patent, North Bavaria Business Plan Competition