1zu1 to focus even more strongly on 3D printing and injection molding series in future

1zu1 is evolving from a prototype specialist to a prototype and series supplier. As a pilot partner of EOS, the high-tech company relies on the most powerful 3D printing machines on the market, pushes automation and increases the capacity of aluminium tools in injection moulding. In 2023, the company of the international Prototal Group was able to stabilize sales despite the difficult market situation and staff reductions.

After a slight decline to 16 million euros, 1zu1 is planning to grow by ten percent again in 2024. The course has been set for further development into a full-service provider of 1 to 300,000 plastic parts. 1zu1 will invest around 1.5 million euros in 2024 and take over the Group’s entire vacuum casting and aluminum toolmaking operations.

1zu1 stands for precise, fast and high-quality 3D printing solutions for plastic components, vacuum and injection molding at high speed. As a pilot partner of the world’s leading technology provider EOS, the high-tech company produces competitive 3D printing series of up to 100,000 units in addition to functional prototypes. In injection molding with aluminium tools, 1zu1 has already achieved 300,000 units – with potential for more. In the 2023 financial year, turnover stabilized at 16 million euros despite the difficult market situation. At the same time, 1zu1 reduced its workforce from 155 to 132 specialists. By pooling resources, the company is ensuring its sustainable further development from a pure prototype manufacturer to a prototype and series supplier. Following the decline of four percent (2022: EUR 16.7 million), 1zu1 is planning to increase sales by around ten percent again in 2024.

“This was not an easy step for us to take, but it was necessary. With our expertise from prototyping, we are focusing on series production, ensuring high quality standards and want to further expand our technological lead. We will continue to be a reliable partner for the production of 1 to 300,000 plastic parts,” emphasizes Managing Director Thomas Kohler.

With the third P500 laser sintering system from EOS, 1zu1 has significantly increased its capacity in 2023. Series production with the most powerful 3D printing system on the market continues to be a unique selling point internationally. At the same time, 1zu1 is continuously increasing the level of automation with new post-processing solutions. In 2024, around 1.5 million euros will be invested in 3D printing technologies and automation in injection molding.

Headquarters for vacuum casting and toolmaking: synergies in the Prototal network
1zu1 has been part of Prototal Industries since 2022. With locations in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the UK, Italy and Austria, the internationally active group is one of Europe’s largest providers of 3D printing, vacuum casting and injection molding with aluminum tools. Vacuum casting and aluminum toolmaking will now be handled entirely by 1zu1 in Dornbirn.

“The integration creates synergies. We are bringing expertise into the network and internationalizing our offering. With an innovative solution, we will also increase the output of tools for larger injection molding series in 2024,” reveals 1zu1 Production Manager Christian Humml.

Prototal Industries wants to open up further markets in the coming years and cover the entire value chain from prototypes to million-part series in 3D printing and injection molding.

“As one of the leading providers in the top quality segment, 1zu1 is a central building block for our vision. The sharpened focus secures our market positioning and is central to our strategic development,” emphasizes Jan Löfving, CEO of Prototal Industries.