Additive Manufacturing in Eastern France

Eastern France has become a strategic hub for Additive Manufacturing. It offers a dynamic industrial ecosystem and many business opportunities. With over 360,000 companies, including 20,000 industrial firms, the region is ideally positioned at the crossroads of Europe. It connects France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

This central location makes Eastern France a key player in the French-German automotive corridor. This strategic position provides direct access to major European markets and supply chains. For companies looking to invest in advanced additive manufacturing technologies, Eastern France offers a fertile ground for innovation, collaboration, and growth.

An Access to a Strong Ecosystem and a Recognized Expertise

Eastern France is recognized for its expertise in large-scale additive manufacturing, including prototypes, tooling, and industrial parts.

7 FAMILIES OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

The region supports all 7 standardized additive manufacturing families, combining proprietary technologies with emerging innovations, demonstrating its commitment to both proprietary and innovative AM technologies.

Focus – 7 Families of Additive Manufacturing

Find a detailed description of the seven recognized families of additive manufacturing, as defined by ISO/ASTM standards:

1. Vat Photopolymerization (VPP) – Utilizes a vat of liquid photopolymer resin that is selectively cured by light (typically UV or laser) to form each layer with excellent precision and surface finish.
2. Material Extrusion (MEX) – Melts and extrudes material, commonly in filament form (as in FDM/FFF), depositing it layer by layer through a nozzle.
3. Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) – Employs a laser or electron beam to selectively fuse powders—metal, plastic, or ceramic—within a powder bed; includes techniques like SLS, SLM, DMLS, and EBM.
4. Material Jetting (MJT) – Jets droplets of build material (such as photopolymer) onto a platform, solidifying them with UV light or thermal processes, enabling multi-material or full-color production.
5. Binder Jetting (BJT) – Spreads a layer of powder then inks a liquid binder to selectively join the particles; parts are then cured or sintered.
6. Directed Energy Deposition (DED) – Deposits material—powder or wire—while simultaneously melting it with focused energy sources (laser, electron beam), often used for repair and builds on existing parts.
7. Sheet Lamination (SHL) – Bonds material sheets (metal, paper, or plastic) in a layer-by-layer fashion using ultrasonic welding or adhesives; includes processes like LOM and UAM.

KEY INDUSTRIAL PLAYERS

 Grand Est Développement Solutions has identified over 40 companies in the region that have developed strong expertise in additive manufacturing. These companies operate across various sectors. These include material production and distribution, machine manufacturing and distribution, and parts production, using materials such as metals and polymers.

Below are some flagship examples of leading 3D manufacturing companies based in the region:

3D Métal Industrie
Developed in collaboration with local foundries, this initiative uses additive manufacturing to reduce costs and lead times in sand mold production.

Alchimies Groupe

Alchimies builds large-format FDM machines (up to 2m x 2m x 2m) and focuses on sustainable materials like recycled and bio-based polymers.

Lines

Lines specializes in high-speed pellet extrusion systems for industrial-scale 3D manufacturing, offering build volumes up to 3m³.

Advanced Industrial R&D and Education in Eastern France

Eastern France is home to 35 engineering schools. The region offers specialized programs in industrial and digital sciences—from Bachelor’s to Master’s degrees. The region also provides high-level professional training for engineers and designers.

LEADING RESEARCH PLATFORMS IN EASTERN FRANCE

Platinium 3D
A technological platform dedicated to accelerating the adoption of additive manufacturing across industries. It supports companies in prototyping, tooling, and production using a wide range of AM processes.

CRITT (Centre Régional d’Innovation et de Transfert de Technologie)
An analysis, testing, expertise and R&D centre dedicated to the study and characterization of materials and their surface properties

CIRTES

 CIRTES develops industrial R&D contracts, to manufacture models and tools and to market software solutions and associated machines It offers patented solutions to its clients such as including:

• Additive Manufacturing by Stratoconception®
• 3D Pack & Strat® Rapid Packaging
• Actarus® Machining Monitoring

MPORTANT INSIGHTS ABOUT THESE INITIATIVES

• Platinium 3D and CRITT: A Materials Innovation team has been created to transform the Ardennes into a central hub for additive manufacturing
• CIRTES currently collaborates with major industrial players such as Bugatti, Airbus, PSA, Ariane, and Liebherr.

Additive Manufacturing: A Sector Supported by The Grand Est Region

Eastern France actively supports the development of additive manufacturing through a dedicated cluster known as the “Communauté Fabrication Additive.” This cluster brings together approximately 100 stakeholders, including 40 companies, educational institutions, and research laboratories, covering the entire value chain of the sector.

By establishing your business in Eastern France and joining this cluster, you benefit from increased visibility and gain direct access to a robust network of corporate clients and strategic partners. Invest Eastern France facilitates this integration by connecting you with key players in the cluster.

COME AND COMPLETE THE VALUE CHAIN IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

There are several opportunities to contribute to and expand the additive manufacturing ecosystem in Eastern France:

• Materials: There is a growing demand for polymer filaments made from recycled or bio-based materials.
• Surface Treatment & Finishing: Expertise in post-processing techniques is essential to enhance the quality and durability of printed parts.
• Distribution: There is a need for distributors specializing in additive manufacturing equipment, particularly those focused on producing large-format components.

JOIN A TRHIVING 3D MANUFCATURING ECOSYSTEM

Eastern France offers a unique combination of industrial strength, technological expertise, and strategic location. Whether you’re a startup or a global manufacturer, investing in Eastern France means joining a thriving ecosystem of additive manufacturing and 3D manufacturing innovation.

Our teams can be your gateway to this flourishing ecosystem—connecting you with partners, customers, and opportunities to scale your business in one of Europe’s most advanced manufacturing regions.