Born in Amsterdam, but already printing for BMW, Framatome (EDF’s nuclear energy subsidiary), and even the U.S. military, MX3D is a deeptech startup specializing in large-scale metal 3D printing. The funding round was led by EDF Pulse Ventures, the corporate venture arm of French utility giant EDF, with support from ING Sustainable Investments and Dutch fund PDENH, an existing investor.

The technology developed by MX3D, known as WAAM (Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing), uses a layer-by-layer metal deposition process that combines robotics and welding. It offers a more flexible, faster, and significantly less material-intensive alternative to traditional forging or machining techniques. According to the company, WAAM reduces material waste by more than 80%.

Aiming for global growth

“We enable manufacturers to bring in-house the production of parts weighing up to 20 tons, with substantial gains in speed and flexibility,” says Gijs van der Velden, MX3D’s CEO and co-founder. The company’s business model is built on two pillars: the sale of turnkey solutions—including its proprietary MetalXL software, robotics, and technical support—and an on-demand printing service, which is rapidly expanding. “These two activities feed into each other. Printing for clients gives us constant feedback that we use to improve our product,” he explains.

Having reached financial break-even in 2024 with a team of around 30, MX3D is now preparing to scale. The funding will allow the company to expand its Amsterdam production site, which will soon house 15 industrial-scale printing systems capable of producing metal parts weighing up to 10 tons. “What we used to call heavy parts—ranging from 25 to 1,000 kilos—is no longer enough. Clients now want to print much larger pieces,” Van der Velden notes.

Part of the funding will also be directed toward commercial expansion, both in Europe and abroad. The startup is strengthening its distribution network by partnering with specialized resellers in Japan, South Korea, and the United States, where it has just signed a strategic agreement with Phillips Corporation. “We’re at an inflection point: orders are growing, parts are getting bigger, and use cases are multiplying,” the CEO adds.

A strategic partner to scale up

In recent years, EDF has been testing metal additive manufacturing, notably with a 3D-printed pump impeller installed at its Cattenom site. The investment in MX3D is a continuation of that work. For MX3D, EDF Pulse Ventures' backing is also a mark of industrial credibility. “Bringing a corporate VC onboard changes the pace. It pushes us to formalize our processes, to think more broadly and strategically. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s exactly what we needed to grow,” says Van der Velden.

As part of the deal, Michel Hunsicker (EDF Pulse Ventures) and Tibor van Melsem Kocsis (PDENH) will join MX3D’s board. Their strategic support is expected to help the startup break into new industrial sectors while laying the groundwork for future fundraising and scaling. “We now have to professionalize every step. It’s demanding, but that’s what will allow us to grow sustainably,” concludes Van der Velden.