Angstrom Fuels Automotive Growth Through Mantle Acquisition
The Angstrom Group, a major Tier 1 supplier in the automotive and industrial sectors, has announced the acquisition of San Francisco-based metal 3D printing company Mantle. The move marks a major step toward integrating additive manufacturing into automotive production, signaling a shift in how tooling and mold components are designed and manufactured.
Mantle has earned recognition for its hybrid metal additive manufacturing systems that combine precision 3D printing with CNC machining. This approach allows for the automated production of high-quality tooling components used in injection molding, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with traditional toolmaking. With the support of Angstrom’s global manufacturing network, Mantle will be able to expand its reach and accelerate adoption of its technology across the automotive supply chain.
At the center of Mantle’s innovation is its TrueShape technology, which prints metal parts layer by layer using a proprietary paste. Once printed, the parts are sintered and finished to meet production-grade tolerances. The combination of additive and subtractive processes enables toolmakers to produce mold cavities, inserts, and components in-house instead of relying on external suppliers. For the automotive sector, where tooling lead times can be lengthy, this method provides a faster and more adaptable solution.
Angstrom’s acquisition reflects the growing importance of additive manufacturing in modern production. By incorporating Mantle’s platform, Angstrom aims to make metal 3D printing more accessible to molders and OEMs, while offering design and financing options to support the transition. “Our goal is to industrialize this breakthrough metal additive technology and make it broadly accessible,” said Angstrom Group CEO Nagesh Palakurthi. “This will help customers transform their operations and build manufacturing resilience at scale.”
For Mantle, joining Angstrom offers an opportunity to scale its technology for global markets. “By combining forces with Angstrom, we can bring our technology to a wider audience and further our mission of revolutionizing toolmaking,” said Mantle CEO Ted Sorom. The partnership will help Mantle expand production, strengthen partnerships, and further develop its hybrid additive manufacturing systems.
The acquisition also highlights a wider trend in manufacturing toward digitalization and sustainability. As the automotive industry works to reduce costs, lead times, and waste, innovations like Mantle’s metal 3D printing could redefine the future of toolmaking and enhance the efficiency of production worldwide.
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*All Photo Credits: Angstrom
