THETIS Srl, an innovative startup founded in 2023 and headquartered in Chieti (Italy), has reached a major milestone in the advanced manufacturing landscape with the completion of the “ADDON” project *.
The initiative introduces a truly revolutionary approach to additive manufacturing of composite materials, combining the flexibility of 3D printing with the outstanding mechanical properties of continuous carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers.
The project successfully achieved all planned objectives following a 24-month research and development programme, culminating in the construction and validation of a technological system that has reached Technology Readiness Level TRL 8.
The system developed by THETIS represents a paradigm shift for high-technology sectors such as aerospace, aviation, biomedical and automotive. One of the new machine’s defining features is the integration of a dedicated heated chamber, specifically designed to reach and maintain the high temperatures required to process advanced polymers.
The development cycle covered every industrial stage:
• Design and construction: from the initial engineering concepts to hardware implementation
• Functional testing: validation through the production of complex components of various types
• Mechanical characterisation: rigorous tests conducted on PEEK/CF specimens and components in accordance with the most stringent international standards (ASTM), confirming their excellent structural performance
During the initial experimental stages, the production process was managed using proprietary software developed in-house. It was subsequently optimised and made even more accurate through the integration of advanced CAD/CAM systems for print-path programming.
In line with the requirements of modern industry, the ADDON project was carried out in full compliance with the DNSH (Do No Significant Harm) principle. The use of recyclable fibres significantly reduces the carbon footprint compared with virgin materials, ensuring a low-environmental-impact manufacturing process, free from harmful emissions and fully compatible with the most demanding industrial environments.
* The project was implemented with support from the resources POR FESR Abruzzo 2021/2027 Intervento 1.1.1.1 Avviso pubblico per il sostegno a progetti di ricerca e innovazione delle imprese afferenti ai domini tecnologici della Strategia Regionale di specializzazione Intelligente RIS3 Abruzzo 2021-2027 CUP C79J24000670007.
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03 August 2026
