Revolution in micro-3D printing: Bochum startup receives million-dollar funding!

Revolution in micro-3D printing: Bochum startup receives million-dollar funding!

Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Deutschland - The need for precise components increases increasingly in various industries such as electrical engineering and medical technology. In order to do justice to this, researchers at the Ruhr University Bochum deal with the development of an innovative facility that optimizes micro-3D printer. These devices produce three -dimensional structures in the micrometer range and offer a solution for the increasing requirements for high -precision production.

As part of this project, Dr. Nils Surkamp, ​​Felix Behlau, Dr. Benedikt Hofmeister and Jasper Helle founded. On April 1, 2025, the team received an existing funding of around 1.1 million euros from the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) to implement their ideas. Development is carried out in close cooperation with the chairs for photonics, tunahertz technology and laser application technology as well as the Faculty of Economics.

innovative technology for micro-3d printing

picoshape relies on diode laser and the two-photon polymerization (2pp) for the pressure of microstructures. This technique based on over 15 years of research enables extremely precise details of less than 100 nanometers. The diode lasers are not only smaller and more energy -efficient than conventional lasers, they also offer faster printing times, which increases the efficiency of the entire procedure. Conventional micro-3D printers cost at least half a million euros and are often inflexible, while the picoshape system is more compact and more flexible. According to Microlight3d , 2pp technology enables the production of complex structures in the micro and nano sector, which is of great importance for a variety of applications.

The 2pp contains the targeted exposure of synthetic resins, causing polymerization. This is done by the simultaneous absorption of two photons, which leads to high precision. The voxel generated can be positioned freely in the resin, which makes the layer of classic printing processes obsolete. This innovative technology could revolutionize 3D printing in the field of microoptics, micromechanics and even in medicine.

marketability and future plans

Picoshape pursues the goal of developing a marketable product and building a sustainable business model. In addition to the development of prototypes, the team plans to integrate close feedback from practice in order to further develop the products. Through the print service, you want to offer easy access to technology and thus also open up new sales opportunities.

The team emphasizes that they are able to increase their visibility through individual coaching and access to an extensive support network. First successes are already visible; Picoshape was awarded one of the best three startups at the Ruhr University Bochum last year. With the focus on new technologies and more efficient production methods, the company will play an important role in the 3D printing industry in the near future.

summarized the development of Picoshape how important innovative approaches are in the field of micro-3d printing. In view of the increasing demands on precision and efficiency in various technology areas, 2pp, as well as from 3Dnatives for the future.