ExLattice

ExLattice, Inc. develops engineering simulation software for metal additive manufacturing. Its proprietary simulation engine is designed to return distortion predictions and physics-based analytics on a mid-range laptop within several minutes, which the company states is about 100x faster than traditional simulation methods. The software flags common metal printing risks during design, including support structure failures, large deformations, recoater contacts and shrink lines, and is positioned so that users do not need simulation expertise to interpret results.

Beyond distortion prediction, the product includes simulation-driven design tools that automatically optimize pre-processing setup, such as searching for an optimal build orientation against print quality, time and cost objectives, and generating customized lattice support structures; processing-parameter suggestions are described as in development. The company frames the engine as a foundation for generative design solutions and real-time design feedback in an increasingly automated AM workflow. Press materials describe ExLattice as a manufacturing AI company whose kernel uses AI and GPU acceleration to process design and manufacturing data simultaneously, targeting a roughly 10x more efficient automated digital workflow for engineers.

Founding story

ExLattice was founded in 2018 by a team of PhDs who set out to build cutting-edge metal additive manufacturing research knowledge into commercial engineering software. Runze Huang is CEO and co-founder.

Business model

ExLattice sells software to additive manufacturing designers and engineers, with prospective customers directed to request a product demo through its website. Its early development has also been funded by non-dilutive government grants, including an NSF SBIR Phase I award and a One North Carolina matching grant.

Traction

Non-dilutive awards including an NSF SBIR Phase I grant valued at over $250,000, a One North Carolina Small Business Program Phase I SBIR/STTR Matching Grant, and an NC IDEA grant; acceptance into NVIDIA Inception (2021) and the Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator (2023).

Latest developments

In April 2023 ExLattice was selected for the Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator, run in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Tennessee Valley Authority and the University of Tennessee System, following its NSF SBIR Phase I and One North Carolina matching grant awards.