Startup of the Year develops the 3D metal printer of the future

Petter Hagqvist and Almir Heralic from the Trollhättan startup Procada are developing 3D printing technology that creates completely new opportunities in a number of industries. During Friday's business gala - Trollhättan Business Awards, they received the honorable award Startup of the Year in Trollhättan 2023.

- "We are honored to be named startup of the year in such strong competition. It is extra fun to be recognized as a deep tech company based on world-leading research originating in Trollhättan, says co-founder Petter Hagqvist.

Can speed up the electrification of aircraft

The technology they developed makes it possible to 3D print products in lightweight metal and with material properties that would otherwise require, for example, molding, which is expensive and results in long lead times.

- Our technology can be used in a variety of industries and contribute to cost savings, less material consumption, shorter lead times and the possibility of weight optimization. For example, we could speed up the electrification of aircraft as the technology enables lighter designs," says Petter.

The founding team have themselves completed a PhD at University West in the technology that underpins the innovation.

- Additive manufacturing is a technology area in which Trollhättan has a business community and university at the absolute forefront. It is one of the key technologies that is predicted to help us transition to a sustainable society where products are printed tailor-made, locally and without waste. Companies like Procada have a key role in that transition," says Eivind Vogel-Rödin, Head of Startup Operations at Innovatum Science Park, which is behind the award.

Can make a difference even in space

Procada is part of Innovatum Science Park's incubator and has previously been part of the ESA-BIC Sweden space program, which the incubator helps to run. Procada's solution can also create benefits in space.

Building spare parts in zero gravity requires technology that is fast, precise and lightweight. So far, spare parts in space have been created using 3D plastic printers, but better conditions are needed in the future.

- The news that the world's first 3D metal printer has recently started its journey to the International Space Station has generated a lot of interest! The goal is to have our technology on the first manned mission to Mars," concludes Petter.