TETMET’s low-energy approach to metal lattice construction

Lattice structures are becoming an important feature of function design. The three dimensional geometries, which can be tailored to specific shapes and densities, offer important benefits like a greater strength-to-weight ratio and lower material usage. Additive manufacturing technologies have been central to the production of lattices, enabling users from industries like aerospace, automotive, medical, and sportswear to harness the benefits of these cellular structures for greater fuel efficiency, osseointegration, and comfort, respectively.

French startup TETMET has invented a new approach to metal lattice manufacturing that delivers the benefits of lattices on a large scale and with a high level of energy efficiency. The company’s technology, called Adaptive Spatial Lattice Manufacturing (ASLM), leverages AI-powered design software, metal rods, and robotic welding to create these efficient structures. It can be used for myriad applications that benefit from lightweighting, including airplane seats, internal hull structures for speedboats, and solar frames. One key application for its technology that the company highlights for the future is in-space assembling and manufacturing (ISAM).

TETMET itself was founded in 2023 in Paris with the aim of bringing to market a more sustainable solution for producing large-scale metal structures. In line with this goal, the company’s ASLM technology is driven by sustainability and efficiency from every angle. More specifically, the process relies on recyclable materials with low-embodied energy, has very efficient material usage, and is itself energy efficient through the use of selective spot welding.

So how does ASLM work? The process itself can be described fairly simply. In short, ASLM uses an AI-controlled robotic arm mounted with a fiber-laser welding module and a tool for material positioning. In this case, the material feedstock is a solid metal rod, which is precisely positioned, welded at the joint, and then cut. This is repeated following the lattice’s design, resulting in a strong, lightweight lattice structure.

TETMET describes the process in more detail, saying: “At the heart of ASLM is a sophisticated process that involves assembling solid rods through precise laser spot welding, directed by advanced AI algorithms. This process allows for remarkable control over the welding parameters, essential for maintaining consistent metallurgical properties across the lattice structure. The precision in welding is crucial for the uniformity of the weld pool, cooling rates, and the resultant microstructure, preserving essential material properties, especially when working with sensitive materials such as shape-memory alloys.”

By welding selectively at the joints, TETMET says it is possible to reduce energy consumption by up to 90% or more compared to other production methods, while simultaneously consuming at least 40% less material. The feedstock itself reportedly has an embodied energy three times lower than metal AM powders. In a sustainability report published by TETMET in 2025, a comparison between various steel production processes showed that ASLM saved 99.7% in energy consumption compared to laser-DED and 88.6% compared to wire arc additive manufacturing.

While still young, TETMET is very much on the growth path. Recently, the company opened its first vertically integrated production facility in SEGRO Park Amsterdam Airport in Hoofddorp. At this new location, the company will use a 12 x 3 x 3 meter production platform to demonstrate the potential of ASLM for aerospace, automotive, and defense applications. We’ll be keeping a close eye on TETMET and its innovative metal lattice production process.