Kreitz’ idea was to use 3D printing to produce small, precise, stable, and customized flow probes that could heat up to 1800 degrees Celsius. After studying aerospace engineering, she founded Vectoflow. By 2020, the company wants to be the world’s leading supplier of flow measurement technology, reports munich-startup.de . The probes are already being used in Formula 1, for example, the TU Munich proudly adds.

This technology is not just in demand there. In addition to carmakers who investigate the aerodynamics of their test vehicles, currents are also measured in the manufacture of air conditioning systems, extractor hoods, and drones. Since the sensors of Vectoflow are smaller than the usual ones, their own resistance remains low. Kreitz and her team use additive manufacturing to achieve the individuality of the products. This makes the start-up successful. It has grown to seven permanent employees and is already in the profit zone. The customers are located in China, India, Saudi Arabia, and in the USA, according to the TU.

3D printing has meanwhile become established in many branches of industry. According to the Wohlers Report 2018, the number of 3D printing systems sold worldwide in 2017 increased by nearly 80% compared to the previous year. In addition, new manufacturers will enter the 3D printing market “at dizzying speeds,” which will result in lower prices.