Metal AM technologies:
TECOS Razvojni center orodjarstva Slovenije
Contact information:
Manufacturing department
dr. Matjaž Milfelner, Andrej Glojek
+386 34 264 614
AM Technologies
Powder Bed Fusion (PBF):
- Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
Directed Energy Deposition (DED):
- Laser Metal Deposition (LMD)
List of Metal AM printers:
Polymer AM technologies:
Material Extrusion (MEX):
- Fused filament fabrication (FFF)
Vat Photopolymerization (VPP):
- Stereolithography (SLA)
Materials and characterisation
Materials:
Metals:
Stainless steels, tool steel, aluminium, inconel
Polymers:
PLA, PP, PA, ABS, reinforced polymers
Other Material Types:
Glass and carbon fibers
Testing equipment:
Post-processing equipment:
CNC milling machine
Quality certifications:
ISO 9001
Services
Key competences:
Knowledge in conformal cooling, insertion of sensorics during printing.
AM-related projects:
Key publications and patents:
3D printing presentations on industrial fairs, toolmaking days and many more.
Informal trainings:
Contact person:
Ales Hancic (ales.hancic@tecos.si)
Capabilities, activities and services:
Development of parts for 3D printing – conformal cooling
Used software:
NX
Focus areas:
Topology optimization
Services offered:
- Technical Consulting
- Access to AM Equipment
- Prototyping Services
- Design Optimization
Target groups:
- Start-ups
- Established SMEs
- Large Companies
- Research Institutions
Type of services provided on the market:
- Prototyping
- Tooling
- Design for AM
Description of industry services:
TECOS offers comprehensive Additive Manufacturing (AM) services, supporting industries with cutting-edge solutions in rapid prototyping, functional part production, and tool optimization. Our expertise covers polymer and metal 3D printing, including SLA, FDM, and DMLS technologies, ensuring high precision and material efficiency. We integrate topological optimization, lattice structures, and hybrid manufacturing approaches to enhance component performance and reduce material waste. Additionally, TECOS provides process simulation, post-processing solutions, and AM feasibility studies to optimize production workflows and ensure cost-effective implementation.
Material recycling capabilities
TECOS has advanced material recycling capabilities focused on polymer and metal processing, supporting sustainable manufacturing. Our expertise includes:
Mechanical recycling: Processing and reusing thermoplastics, including grinding, regranulation, and compounding of production waste.
We also conduct LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) studies to evaluate the environmental impact of recycling strategies.
Energy efficiency measures
TECOS implements energy efficiency measures across its research and industrial projects, focusing on:
- Process optimization: Reducing energy consumption in injection molding, metal forming, and additive manufacturing through real-time monitoring and smart control systems.
- Waste heat recovery: Utilizing excess heat from manufacturing processes for preheating materials and facility heating.
- Lightweight design & material efficiency: Developing optimized geometries and topology-optimized components to reduce material use and energy-intensive processing.
TECOS also conducts LCA studies to quantify energy savings and environmental impact improvements.
Sustainable practices
TECOS integrates sustainable practices in Additive Manufacturing (AM) through various projects, certifications, and research activities, including:
- Material efficiency: Development of optimized lightweight structures and recycled polymer/metal powders to minimize waste
- Eco-friendly materials: Research on biodegradable and bio-based polymers for AM applications
- LCA & Circular Economy: Conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and sustainability studies to evaluate AM’s environmental impact
- Collaborative projects: Participation in EU-funded initiatives promoting green AM technologies and sustainable industrial applications
These efforts support TECOS’ commitment to eco-friendly manufacturing and resource-efficient production.