From the garage to a high-tech start-up

Manufacturing metal components quickly, precisely and at a significantly lower cost – this was the vision that led Christoph Dietenberger to begin an experiment in his parents’ garage. Today, this has evolved into a technology-focused start-up aiming to rethink 3D metal printing. Together with an interdisciplinary team at Ravensburg-Weingarten University of Applied Sciences, the mechanical engineering graduate developed a 3D printing ecosystem based on the DED (Directed Energy Deposition) process, thereby making the leap from university research to industrial application. Supported by partners from academia and industry, as well as through collaboration with Steinbeis consultant Ralph Rundel, the result was not only an innovative technology but also a viable business model. A six-figure grant from the state government now enables the next step: expanding production, developing new printing systems and entering the market in further sectors.

In industry, metal components are usually produced using complex processes: casting, forging or the time-consuming process of milling them out of a blank. Following his apprenticeship as a CNC driller and his studies at Ravensburg-Weingarten University of Applied Sciences, Christoph Dietenberger was keen to simplify this manufacturing process. Whilst searching for alternative manufacturing processes, he came across 3D printing in 2020: the product is printed in the desired shape, and subsequent machining only needs to be carried out on functional surfaces. Christoph Dietenberger’s interest was piqued in optimising the existing procedure.

And his project gained momentum. With his idea and the first prototypes he developed himself, he impressed the Dean of Mechanical Engineering, Professor Dr.-Ing. Thomas Glogowski at Ravensburg-Weingarten University of Applied Sciences: in the summer of 2021, a research group was formed to focus on developing and implementing a dedicated 3D printing ecosystem for the DED process. Lukas Eichorn and Jonas Leible join the research team, complementing it with their craftsmanship and technical expertise. In 2024, the three receive an EXIST start-up grant, and WIRED3D GmbH is founded in early 2025.

New business model, new consulting partner

In spring 2025, the young start-up trio presented themselves at a pitch event at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Oberschwaben-Bodensee, attracting the attention of Steinbeis consultant and mechanical engineer Ralph Rundel. It quickly became clear that there was a good rapport and that the initial exchange would lead to a collaboration. “Our collaboration began with an analysis of the current situation,” reports Ralph Rundel. “On the positive side were the self-developed and well-functioning DED 3D printing process, strong connections at the university, initial industry contacts and a highly effective team with outstanding technical expertise. Potential lay in the as yet limited experience in sales and the restricted financial resources.”

This analysis helped with the next decision: in the first step, metal components would be printed for customers in promising industries across the entire value chain – from initial concept through to delivery – followed by the sale of the in-house developed 3D printing systems.

The expiring EXIST funding and the still modest company turnover made it necessary to consider how to secure liquidity for the company without sacrificing its independence. After extensive research and numerous discussions, WIRED3D, together with Ralph Rundel, decided to participate in the Pre-Seed programme of the state of Baden-Württemberg, which offers funding of up to 620,000 euros. 80 per cent of this amount is financed by the state of Baden-Württemberg, with the remaining 20 per cent provided by a private co-investor.

“I am very convinced by the company and the team behind it, which is why I decided to join as a co-investor,” explains Ralph Rundel. At the same time, he supports WIRED3D in sales. At the Pre-Seed pitch at L-Bank in Stuttgart in September 2025, presented to a panel of representatives from the state of Baden-Württemberg, banks and industry, WIRED3D received funding of 200,000 euros.

Looking ahead

The funding commitment represents enormous support for the young company. Investments in the development and construction of new 3D printers, the expansion of sales activities and the construction of a new company headquarters with a production hall near Tettnang in the Lake Constance district are now possible. WIRED3D has since expanded its customer base and is in talks with numerous interested companies – excellent prospects for the future!