plasmotion: Transforming high-value manufacturing with plasma electrolytic surface finishing

In high-value manufacturing, precision is crucial. However, traditional surface finishing methods, such as manual polishing and deburring, are slow, labour-intensive, and often create production bottlenecks. German startup plasmotion is changing this challenge with its innovative JETPEP® technology, an automated solution that enhances efficiency, quality, and scalability.

Born from academic research at TU Freiberg, plasmotion developed Plasma Electrolytic Processing (PEP), which uses environmentally friendly saltwater solutions and high DC voltages. The technology forms an ionised vapour envelope around metal parts, allowing for precise, microscopic material removal. This method reduces processing times from hours to minutes while ensuring the highest quality finishes, offering a significant leap over traditional surface finishing techniques.

plasmotion has established itself as a key player in plasma electrolytic surface finishing, recognised for its ability to streamline complex production processes while maintaining high precision.

Scaling innovation for industry adoption

Since its spin-off, Plasmotion has focused on turning JETPEP® into an industrial-scale solution. JETEP transforms the power of plasma polishing into a jet and can now not only finish complex and larger parts, but also perform selective finishing exactly where it is needed. Here JETPEP enables – for the first time ever – metal polishing and deburring with the quality and flexibility of manual finishing in an automated process. The startup has already partnered with leading manufacturers, demonstrating the value of automating and standardising surface finishing for complex, high-performance components.

plasmotion’s next major milestone is delivering its first machine for semiconductor and analytics applications: sectors known for their rigorous quality requirements. Success in these industries will serve as a key validation, paving the way for broader industrial adoption.

The role of strategic investment

Scaling an advanced manufacturing technology requires more than just technical excellence: it requires strong partnerships and strategic investment. This is where EIT Manufacturing has played a vital role, providing not only financial backing but also access to a robust industry network.

One of the key moments in plasmotion’s journey was securing investment from EIT Manufacturing as part of its funding round, which not only provided essential financial backing but also critical industry exposure. A standout moment was participating in EMO Hannover, the world’s leading trade fair for production technology. Through EIT Manufacturing’s introductions, plasmotion connected with major global players, secured high-value discussions, and strengthened its position within the European manufacturing ecosystem. This access to investors, industry leaders, and strategic partners is now shaping the company’s next steps and accelerating its growth.

With solid backing and a clear vision, plasmotion is steadily advancing in high-precision, automated surface finishing. As it scales, the company is demonstrating how innovation, paired with the right investment, can drive meaningful progress in industrial manufacturing.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from startups shaping the future of European manufacturing!