Detailed information
The company was featured in the first edition of The 3D Printing World Guide, on pages 21-22. Browse the full offer, history and legacy.
Business
Business activities:
AM Service Provider
AM services:
PBF
Activity
Origin: Germany
Founded: 2016
Area of activity: World
Lightway GmbH
Klemens-Jeub-Str 3, 56651 Niederzissen, Germany
www: lightway.de
e-mail: j.hoetter@lightway.de
Overview
As an innovative full-service solution provider in the field of 3D metal printing and high-end CNC machining, LIGHTWAY develops customized solutions and highly complex metal components with utmost precision. The company’s specialization extends beyond selective laser melting, making its portfolio much broader than additive manufacturing alone. If desired, LIGHTWAY manages the entire process chain, from engineering through production to the finished component.
Whether it’s 3D metal printing, pure machining, or a combination of both, LIGHTWAY approaches challenges with solutions and selects the most efficient manufacturing method for its demanding components. The company’s focus remains on complex parts, which can be produced even in small quantities through automation. Special materials like titanium or invar pose no problem for LIGHTWAY.
LIGHTWAY analyzes the entire process with the goal of further optimizing the components it manufactures by adding extra value. The company’s expertise in designing and fabricating complex three-dimensional metal components sets it apart, making it a competent partner in fields such as mechanical engineering, medical technology, automotive, optics, or even laser technology.
Specializing in advanced solutions within 3D metal printing, LIGHTWAY creates intricate or topology-optimized geometries that can combine multiple functions—such as cooling, heating, or integrating additional media. The company also handles complete powder and material development, including parameter optimization, heat treatment, and the corresponding certification and qualification processes for materials and components. In the realm of conventional machining, LIGHTWAY focuses on delivering high-quality results.
Legacy
LIGHTWAY GmbH, founded in 2016 by Thomas Hilger and Pascal Schäfer, is a German company specializing in additive manufacturing and high-end CNC machining. The founders, both experienced in mechanical engineering, began exploring additive manufacturing technologies in 2012, leading to the establishment of LIGHTWAY.
The company offers comprehensive services, including engineering, additive manufacturing using Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB/M), material development, CNC machining, post-processing, and quality assurance. Their expertise caters to various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and medical technology.
In 2022, LIGHTWAY expanded its production facilities by adding a new hall to accommodate growth and enhance digitalization efforts. The same year, the company received the Innovation Award of Rhineland-Palatinate in the „Handwerk” category for developing an intelligent, modular valve housing produced via 3D metal printing.
LIGHTWAY’s commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its reputation as a reliable partner in the field of advanced manufacturing technologies.