3DEO

About 3DEO

From a financial analyst's perspective, 3DEO represents a vertically integrated player in the additive manufacturing sector, focusing on serial production of small, complex metal components. The company was established in 2016 by co-founders Matt Petros, Payman Torabi, and Matt Sand. The founders' journey began at the University of Southern California, where Petros and Torabi were pursuing their PhDs in mechanical engineering and developing metal additive manufacturing technologies. Inspired by his PhD advisor, a pioneer in 3D printing, Petros, along with Torabi's expertise in robotics and additive technologies, decided to commercialize their developments. Initially a consulting firm, they quickly pivoted to create a new, low-cost metal 3D printing technology.

3DEO's business model is structured as a parts-as-a-service supplier, meaning it produces and delivers finished components directly to customers rather than selling the printing equipment. This strategy allows clients to access mass production capabilities without the substantial capital expenditure required for owning and operating metal AM machinery. The firm generates revenue by manufacturing parts for a diverse client base that includes the medical, aerospace, defense, industrial, and consumer product industries. The company has demonstrated significant growth, reporting a 600% increase in revenue for 2019 over 2018 and shipping its millionth part by July 2021.

The core of 3DEO's operations is its proprietary and patented technology, Intelligent Layering®. This process is a hybrid of binder jetting and CNC machining; it involves spreading a fine metal powder, applying a binder to the entire layer, and then using a CNC mill to precisely cut the part's perimeter. This cycle repeats layer-by-layer, followed by a sintering process to create high-density parts. This method allows for superior surface finish and dimensional accuracy compared to standard binder jetting techniques. This entire workflow is managed by the company's fully automated "Manufacturing Cloud®" platform, which integrates robotics, software, and data analytics to manage the production process from design to the finished product. This end-to-end service supports customers from early-stage design and optimization all the way through to production at scale.