--- title: "About AMT: The Originals of Vapor Smoothing | AMT PostPro" description: "AMT invented automated vapor smoothing for industrial 3D printing: born from University of Sheffield research. Meet the team and the inventors." canonical: https://amtechnologies.com/about/ updated: 2026-10-07 type: company --- About AMT · Since 2017 # The originals of vapor smoothing. Born from University of Sheffield research[1]. AMT took it from the lab to 900+[2] PostPro systems in 40 countries, and built the patents, the machines and the team behind them. AMT · What we stand behind 1. The world's largest installed base of automated vapor smoothing systems[3]. 900+[2] systems installed in 40 countries. 2. The first automated vapor smoothing system for powder-bed 3D printed parts[3]. PostPro3D, commercially available from September 2018. Sources: [TCT Magazine, Sep 2018 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.tctmagazine.com/amt-postpro3d-3d-printing-smoothing-commercially-available/) · [AMT release, Dec 2021 (archived copy, opens in a new tab)](https://web.archive.org/web/20211218033412/https://amtechnologies.com/news/amt-revolutionizes-3d-printing-post-production-with-the-launch-of-new-surface-finishing-systems/) 3. The largest patent portfolio in vapor smoothing[3]. [20 patent families on the public record](https://amtechnologies.com/patents/), the first filed on January 9, 2017. - **Founded in Sheffield**: 2017 - **Sites in the UK, US and Hungary**: 3 - **Countries with PostPro systems**: 40[2] - **Patents granted or pending, as stated by AMT**: 50+[2] - **Patent families on the public record**: [20](https://amtechnologies.com/patents/) Where it started ## From a Sheffield lab to production floors. AMT started in Sheffield in 2017 to take University of Sheffield research into industry. The team engineered the machines that automate vapor smoothing, patented the process, and has refined it on customers’ production floors ever since. ![AMT engineers with a machine frame during assembly](https://amtechnologies.ai/company/about-at-work-960.webp) PHOTO · The AMT team at work. As published on AMT’s About page. 1. 2017 ### AMT is founded Born from University of Sheffield research[1], founded in Sheffield. 2. Jan 2017 ### The core patent is filed Controlled vapor smoothing of polymer parts, since granted in the UK, Europe, the US and China. [Patent family 01](https://amtechnologies.com/patents/#family-01) 3. Sep 2017 ### formnext Start-up Challenge One of five winners, for the automated PostPro3D. [AdditiveManufacturing.com (opens in a new tab)](https://additivemanufacturing.com/2017/09/29/in-formnext-start-up-challenge-impressive-innovations-map-out-the-future-of-am/) 4. Sep 2018 ### PostPro3D ships The first automated vapor smoothing system for powder-bed 3D printed parts[3] becomes commercially available. [TCT Magazine (opens in a new tab)](https://www.tctmagazine.com/amt-postpro3d-3d-printing-smoothing-commercially-available/) 5. Jun 2020 ### The first grant UK patent GB2560073B for controlled vapor smoothing is granted. [Google Patents (opens in a new tab)](https://patents.google.com/patent/GB2560073B/en) 6. Nov 2021 ### PostPro SF50 and SF100 The production range launches at Formnext: one machine, two chamber sizes. [TCT Magazine (opens in a new tab)](https://www.tctmagazine.com/amt-launches-next-generation-3d-printing-surface-finishing-s/) 7. Nov 2022 ### PostPro Pure AMT’s own finishing agent launches, now used across the range. [VoxelMatters (opens in a new tab)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/amt-launches-postpro-pure-for-green-vapor-smoothing-chemistry/) 8. Jun 2024 ### PostPro SFX wins The desktop SFX takes the TCT Post-Processing Award. [TCT Magazine (opens in a new tab)](https://www.tctmagazine.com/boeing-eos-arburg-westinghouse-winners-tct-awards-2024/) 9. Nov 2025 ### PostPro SF2X Launched at Formnext 2025, with double the SFX chamber capacity.[4,5] 10. Today ### 900+[2] systems PostPro systems installed in 40 countries, across all of AMT’s product lines. A decade of process data Powered by a decade of processing parts and more than 10 million process data points, AMT has developed its own proprietary algorithms and post-trained models that power our fleet of SF machines.[6] [See the software](https://amtechnologies.com/software/) What’s next SF Gen 3 Coming soon The next chapter of vapor smoothing. [Be first to see it](https://amtechnologies.com/#gen3) Core team ## The team behind PostPro vapor smoothing. Scientists, engineers and the people who bring PostPro to production floors in 40 countries. Two of them are named inventors on the patent that started it. - **Named inventors on the team**: 2 - **Patent families they are named on**: 17 of 20 - **Sites**: 3 UK · US · Hungary - **Countries with PostPro systems**: 40[2] - ![Portrait of Joseph Crabtree](https://amtechnologies.ai/company/team-joseph-crabtree-360.webp) ### Joseph Crabtree CEO & Founder Founded AMT after a decade in aerospace, defense and off-highway manufacturing. MEng in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield. - Named inventor · 17 patent families - MEng, University of Sheffield - Founder #### Full bio of Joseph Crabtree > With an MEng in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Sheffield and studies at Tampere University of Technology in Finland, Joe spent a decade in private equity-backed (Carlyle Group, Oak Hill Capital) aerospace, defense, and off-highway industries, focusing on both metallics and composites manufacturing. Starting in engineering roles, he progressed into operations management and Six Sigma process improvement, working across the UK, USA, Mexico, and Hungary. Before founding AMT, he led strategic growth as Head of Sales and Marketing at an aerospace SME. As published on [AMT’s About page](https://amtechnologies.com/about-us/). - ![Portrait of Stephanie Lawson](https://amtechnologies.ai/company/team-stephanie-lawson-360.webp) ### Stephanie Lawson Vice President of Finance Leads AMT’s finance: financial performance, margins and sustainable growth. Joined AMT in 2023. - With AMT since 2023 - Technical accounting #### Full bio of Stephanie Lawson > Steph joined AMT in 2023, bringing extensive experience in technical accounting, financial leadership, and business strategy. She plays a key role in driving AMT’s financial performance, optimizing margins, and ensuring sustainable growth. As published on [AMT’s About page](https://amtechnologies.com/about-us/). - ### Elod Estok Vice President of Manufacturing Operations Runs manufacturing operations, with over a decade of company management and expertise in electrical and mechanical engineering. - Electrical & mechanical engineering - 10+ years in company management #### Full bio of Elod Estok > With over a decade of experience in company management across various industrial sectors, Elod brings expertise in both electrical and mechanical engineering. Passionate about continuous development and innovation, he believes success comes from strategic planning, persistence, and lifelong learning. As published on [AMT’s About page](https://amtechnologies.com/about-us/). - ![Portrait of Giorgio Ioannides](https://amtechnologies.ai/company/team-giorgio-ioannides-360.webp) ### Giorgio Ioannides Head of Sales With AMT PostPro from the start. A chemist by training, he now leads the sales team. - Named inventor · 1 patent family - Master’s in Chemistry - With AMT from the start #### Full bio of Giorgio Ioannides > With a Master’s in Chemistry and expertise in 3D printing, Giorgio has been with AMT PostPro from the start. As he grew with the company, he now leads the sales team combining his technical knowledge with commercial strategy to drive business growth. As published on [AMT’s About page](https://amtechnologies.com/about-us/). - ![Portrait of Dr. Konstantin Rybalcenko](https://amtechnologies.ai/company/team-konstantin-rybalcenko-360.webp) ### Dr. Konstantin Rybalcenko Chief Scientist Chief Scientist since the early days: developing the technology, navigating regulations, securing patents. - Named inventor · 17 patent families - PhD - With AMT from the early days #### Full bio of Dr. Konstantin Rybalcenko > Drawn to AMT’s vision, Konstantin embraced the challenge of building something new right from the early days of the company. He played a key role in developing technology, navigating regulations, and refining customer communication. His contributions helped AMT become an industry leader, securing patents, winning grants, and driving innovation in additive manufacturing. As the company grows, he continues to push boundaries and shape its future. As published on [AMT’s About page](https://amtechnologies.com/about-us/). - ![Portrait of Sam Martin](https://amtechnologies.ai/company/team-sam-martin-360.webp) ### Sam Martin Channel Sales Manager (EMEA) Drives AMT’s post-processing solutions across the industry, with over eight years in engineering leadership and product development. - 8+ years in engineering leadership #### Full bio of Sam Martin > Leading the Global Application Team, Sam drives AMT’s vision for post-processing solutions across the additive manufacturing industry. With over eight years of experience in engineering leadership, process improvement, and product development, he is committed to optimizing high-volume production, efficiency, and scalability to meet evolving industry demands. As published on [AMT’s About page](https://amtechnologies.com/about-us/). - ![Portrait of Michal Kupis](https://amtechnologies.ai/company/team-michal-kupis-360.webp) ### Michal Kupis Business Development Manager (EMEA) Drives AMT’s growth across Europe: industrial machine sales and reseller management. - Europe - Multilingual #### Full bio of Michal Kupis > Michal is responsible for driving AMT’s growth across Europe, focusing on industrial machine sales, reseller management, and the implementation of internal automation and AI systems. Multilingual and adaptable, he thrives in international, cross-cultural environments. As published on [AMT’s About page](https://amtechnologies.com/about-us/). - ![Portrait of Brad Duermit](https://amtechnologies.ai/company/team-brad-duermit-360.webp) ### Brad Duermit AMER Director Leads AMT in the Americas from Austin, Texas, with year-over-year growth for the region. - Austin, Texas - Americas #### Full bio of Brad Duermit > Based in Austin, Texas, Brad has successfully spearheaded a multitude of high-impact sales efforts, driving year-over-year growth for the region. His innovative approach to customer relationship management and strategic partnerships has not only increased revenue but has also elevated the brand’s position in the market, making AMT a recognized leader in all of North America. As published on [AMT’s About page](https://amtechnologies.com/about-us/). - ### Mehdi Salahshour Research & Development Bios as published on [AMT’s About page](https://amtechnologies.com/about-us/), January 2026. Portraits are AMT’s own photos. Named inventors ## The names on the patents. Joseph Crabtree and Dr. Konstantin Rybalcenko are named inventors on AMT’s first vapor smoothing patent, filed in January 2017, and on 17 of AMT’s 20 patent families since, with colleagues across AMT’s engineering team. [See every patent family](https://amtechnologies.com/patents/) - Joseph Crabtree CEO & Founder - **Patent families**: 17 of 20 - **Granted rights in them**: 26 - Dr. Konstantin Rybalcenko Chief Scientist - **Patent families**: 17 of 20 - **Granted rights in them**: 26 - The first grant [GB2560073B (opens in a new tab)](https://patents.google.com/patent/GB2560073B/en) Controlled vapor smoothing of polymer parts · granted June 17, 2020 · priority January 9, 2017 Where we are ## Three sites. 40 countries. AMT has sites in the UK, the US and Hungary, and works with resellers and production partners to support 900+[2] PostPro systems installed in 40 countries. - United Kingdom ### Sheffield Additive Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) Ltd - United States ### Round Rock, Texas Additive Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), Inc. - Hungary ### Veszprém Additive Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) Kft [Addresses and opening hours](https://amtechnologies.com/contact-us/) [Find a partner near you](https://amtechnologies.com/postpro-partners/) Recognition ## Recognized from the first machine on. Industry awards for PostPro3D, the desktop SFX and AMT itself, plus competitive R&D grants from Innovate UK and EU funding. [All awards and grants](https://amtechnologies.com/awards/) [News and press](https://amtechnologies.com/news/) 1. 2025 Finalist · Highly commended ### TCT Awards 2025 TCT Post-Processing Award · Entry: PostPro SFX for polypropylene TCT Group [TCT Magazine (opens in a new tab)](https://www.tctmagazine.com/a-night-of-additive-excellence-tct-awards-2025-winners-annouced/) · [AMT news post](https://amtechnologies.com/news/postpro-sfx-pp-nominated-tct-awards-2025/) 2. 2024 Winner ### TCT Awards 2024 TCT Post-Processing Award · Entry: PostPro SFX desktop vapor smoothing with PostPro Pure TCT Group [TCT Magazine (opens in a new tab)](https://www.tctmagazine.com/boeing-eos-arburg-westinghouse-winners-tct-awards-2024/) 3. 2018 Winner ### 3D Printing Industry Awards 2018 Start-up of the Year 3D Printing Industry [3D Printing Industry (opens in a new tab)](https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/2018-3d-printing-industry-awards-winners-announced-133578/) 4. 2017 Winner ### formnext Start-up Challenge 2017 One of five winners, for the automated PostPro3D formnext (Mesago Messe Frankfurt) [AdditiveManufacturing.com (opens in a new tab)](https://additivemanufacturing.com/2017/09/29/in-formnext-start-up-challenge-impressive-innovations-map-out-the-future-of-am/) Work with the originals ## Send us a part. We’ll send it back vapor smoothed. Our technicians vapor smooth your parts on the right PostPro system for the job, then send them back with before-and-after photos and a benchmark report. No cost to evaluate · Parts returned · Typical turnaround 2–3 weeks[7] [Test your parts, free](https://benchmarking.amtechnologies.com/submit?utm_source=amtechnologies.com&utm_medium=company-page&utm_campaign=site-2026&utm_content=about-close) [Get a price](https://amtechnologies.com/configurator/) ## Sources 1. [AMT company statement: born from University of Sheffield research; founded in Sheffield](https://amtechnologies.com/about/) · AMT · Oct 6, 2026 2. [Raise3D announces partnership with AMT to bring advanced post-processing to RMS220 SLS 3D printer](https://amtechnologies.com/news/raise3d-and-amt-partnership/) · AMT · Apr 2, 2026 · also [3D ADEPT Media](https://3dadept.com/raise3d-and-amt-join-forces-to-deliver-end-to-end-sls-post-processing-in-europe/) 3. [AMT company statement: world's largest installed base of automated vapor smoothing systems; first automated vapor smoothing system for powder-bed parts (PostPro3D); largest patent portfolio in vapor smoothing](https://amtechnologies.com/about/) · AMT · Oct 6, 2026 4. [AMT closes record year with product launch at Formnext 2025](https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/amt-closes-record-year-with-product-launch-at-formnext-2025-246256/) · 3D Printing Industry · Nov 12, 2025 5. [PostPro SF2X product page](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/postpro-sf2x/) · AMT · read Oct 6, 2026 6. [AMT company statement: proprietary algorithms and post-trained models (10M+ process data points)](https://amtechnologies.com/software/) · AMT · Oct 6, 2026 7. [PostPro benchmarking: send us your 3D printed parts](https://benchmarking.amtechnologies.com/) · AMT · read Oct 6, 2026