Danish startup PERFI develops volumetric 3D printing tech

PERFI Technologies, a Danish startup nominated as a Startup category finalist in the Formnext Awards 2025, has developed an ultra-fast volumetric 3D printing platform that can create small, highly complex objects within seconds. The technology is primarily targeting applications like audiology through the printing of custom ear molds, as well as dental applications.

Volumetric 3D printing represents a niche but ever-evolving subsegment in the larger AM technologies landscape. The process in principle works by selectively exposing a vat of liquid resin to light from various angles, creating an object from all dimensions rather than layer by layer. The approach first came onto our radar in 2017, when the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) published a study on its work on the technology. Since then, a handful of companies have brought volumetric 3D printing technologies to market, including Xolo, Readily3D and PERFI Technologies.

PERFI Technologies has developed a patented Volumetric Additive Manufacturing (VAM) technology that creates layer-less, support-less parts. The process works by projecting dynamic light patterns into a rotating vat of photosensitive resin. This approach enables the entire object to be formed at once, in mere seconds. Vital to the process is the company’s algorithm that effectively breaks digital 3D models down into various images, which are then projected into the small vat of liquid. The material used in the process, for its part, is a proprietary resin that has been pre-validated for biocompatibility.

The parts that come out of the printer’s vat require only minimal post-processing, since they do not bear any layer lines and need no supports (the uncured liquid resin functions as the support). The post-processing that is required is related to removing the part from the resin vat, which PERFI has also accounted for in its printing platform. That is, its desktop VAM unit includes an automated, solvent-free post-processing system that recovers uncured resin. This closed loop architecture also has the benefit of reducing material waste.

PERFI’s solution is ideal for point-of-care manufacturing for applications that require biocompatibility and a high level of customization, like the audiology sector for hearing aids, earplugs earbuds and more. “Once we have launched our user-friendly desktop printer in the audio sector, we aim to expand our solutions to dental care, followed by consumer goods, biomedicine and other on-demand customized devices,” said Anna Danielak, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of PERFI Technologies. “We will build our competitive advantage through a family of patents in multi-material printing and scaling, as we continue to innovate, develop and expand our product offerings. We want personalization to be available quickly and efficiently for everyone.”

PERFI Technologies was first formed at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and has further developed with support from the Danish AM Hub. You can learn more about the startup’s VAM technology at Formnext 2025 at the Formnext Awards special showcase (Hall 11.0, Booth D82).