3D printing opens up a new chapter for ceramics

A spin-off from the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), Lithoz specialises in the 3D printing (additive manufacturing) of high-performance ceramics. Thanks to the university’s far-sighted IP strategy, this Austrian company is able to offer complete systems comprising lithographic printers and materials. Staff are encouraged to develop – and are rewarded for coming up with – new and patentable ideas. For Lithoz, not every invention has to be ground-breaking to be worth patenting, and the company is now focussing on building up its own patent portfolio to strengthen its market position.