Process software for Additive Manufacturing
Process software empowering Additive Manufacturing to become the leading choice for high-quality production
At Layer Performance, we develop advanced slicing software for additive manufacturing that generates 3D-optimized machine code for a wide range of material extrusion systems, including cartesian, delta, belt-driven and five-axis machines, as well as robotic arms, using materials such as filament, pellets, metals, or concrete.
We believe that the full potential of additive manufacturing is not unlocked by the constraints of conventional planar slicing. Instead, application-specific three-dimensional toolpaths enable a fundamentally different level of control over part quality and performance.
This approach makes it possible to achieve precise, smooth surfaces comparable to injection-molded parts, to optimize structural strength based on real load conditions, and to design components with variable stiffness and graded material properties. It also enables the production of complex geometries without support structures, while reducing both material consumption and manufacturing time.
Shaping the future of advanced manufacturing
Lukas Pelzer
Co-founder
Managing director
Dr.-Ing. Laura Johnen
Co-founder
Managing director
Marc André Weyermann
Co-founder
Head of development
Team driving innovation
Layer Performance is powered by a team of around 10 people with expertise in software, research, and manufacturing. What connects us is our shared enthusiasm for 3D printing and the ambition to rethink advanced manufacturing through technology.
We are always excited to connect with people who share this passion and welcome unsolicited applications at any time.
Applied research for the future of advanced manufacturing
AirPnP – A cloud-based process innovation for efficient and resource-conscious manufacturing
Additive manufacturing, commonly referred to as 3D printing, has the potential to significantly transform production engineering and reshape entire industries. However, current limitations such as inconsistent part quality, inefficient material usage, long production times, and the need for specialized expertise continue to prevent the technology from reaching its full potential.
The objective of the project is the development of a cloud-based process innovation for efficient and resource-conscious production in additive manufacturing. The aim is to make 3D printing as accessible and cost-efficient as 2D printing while addressing existing limitations in part quality, resource efficiency, and manufacturing speed.
The AirPnP project is funded under the “Grüne Gründungen.NRW” program and co-financed by the European Union. The project duration is from 02.02.2026 to 31.12.2028.
4R-im-Revier: Future-proof production through local, circular, and digital value creation
Collaborative project with Aconity GmbH (Herzogenrath) and Yizumi Germany GmbH (Alsdorf; associated partner)
The European industry is facing challenges that affect competitiveness, supply security, and sustainability. In order to reduce dependencies and strengthen domestic industry, resilient manufacturing technologies are required. Additive manufacturing is particularly well suited for resource-efficient and circular production systems, as material is deposited only where needed, significantly reducing raw material consumption. The use of recyclable materials and decentralized on-site production can further reduce emissions. In addition, the ability to produce individualized designs and economically viable small batch sizes enables new application and business opportunities.
The objective of the project is the digital optimization of additive manufacturing processes to support resource-efficient, circular, and decentralized value creation based on the 4R principles: Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle.
The 4R-im-Revier project is funded under the “DigiRess NRW” program of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN). The project duration is from 01.01.2026 to 31.12.2028.
Go-to-Market Voucher: Prototype for automated process preparation in additive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing processes have the potential to significantly transform production engineering and reshape entire industries. However, a key cost driver remains largely unresolved: between design and machine code generation, a critical but fragmented and largely manual process step still exists: process preparation. While individual steps are already digitized, they are not yet connected within an integrated workflow.
Different software tools, incompatible file formats, and manual data transfers result in significant time and cost overhead. According to contract manufacturers, process preparation can account for up to 37% of total costs in additive manufacturing.
The objective of the Go-to-Market project is the development of an automated process chain. The focus is on establishing a continuous, fully automated digital workflow for process preparation, replacing the current fragmented and predominantly manual state.
The project is funded under the “Go-to-Market Gutschein” program and co-financed by the European Union. The project duration is from 01.10.2025 to 30.09.2026.
Recognized for excellence and innovation
Layer Performance named “Digital Start-up of the Year 2025”
Layer Performance GmbH has been awarded first place in the “Digital Start-up of the Year 2025” competition by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) as part of Bits & Pretzels 2025 in Munich.
The award recognizes our contribution to advancing additive manufacturing through software-based optimization of three-dimensional toolpaths. Our technology improves part quality and mechanical performance, reduces material and energy consumption, and enables new approaches to individualized production and repair processes.
For Layer Performance, this recognition represents a strong signal that reinforces our commitment to actively shaping the future of manufacturing.
