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AM3L, high-performance 3D architectured metamaterials

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Published on 25 March 2025
​Custom designed and manufactured shock-absorbing materials and new-generation molds with unique properties

AM3L designs, dimensions, and 3D prints lightweight, space-saving structures and parts with precision porosity. The startup’s metal metamaterials offer far superior performance than any other solution on the market.


Shock absorbers qualified for the protection of nuclear waste packages. Credit : AM3L​


​AM3L was founded to commercialize metallic metamaterials, an innovation protected by twelve CEA patents. With fully-customizable and perfectly-controlled geometries and mechanical characteristics, including void ratios of up to 95%, AM3L’s solutions offer unparalleled performance.

 
The startup custom designs the material’s architecture and the final part to meet the needs of each customer. Metal powders and 3D printing processes are also tailored to each project’s unique performance requirements. All project development work is done on industrial machines for reliable process scalability and a smooth transition to mass production.
 
The high-performance shock absorbers manufactured by AM3L are priced similarly to competing solutions and have already been approved for nuclear waste container protection. Another AM3L innovation—porous molds for bio-based food packaging manufacturing—helps keep costs competitive with plastic packaging.
 
AM3L was founded by two CEA employees who participated in the CEA’s Magellan startup incubator. Further improvements to the solutions will be made through a partnership with the CEA. The startup is hosted by the CEA and has also had its own manufacturing facility on the Saclay plateau since 2025.​


Key figure: 6 kilos

A 6-kg 3D shock absorber by AM3L can absorb the kinetic energy of an 800-kg parcel falling from a height of 15 meters.


KEY Markets:

  • High-performance shock absorbers
  • Tools for bio-based food packaging ​


Technologies used:

  • Design engineering
  • Custom metamaterial design with perfectly controlled porosity, void ratios, etc.
  • Production on 3D metal printers​


Year founded: 2023

CEA Institute: CEA-ISAS


https://am3l.com/