3D printing Optimised Production
Background
Vanguard Initiative
The Vanguard Initiative is a network of 37 EU regions (and open to all). The initiative stimulates interregional cooperation projects between companies and knowledge institutes in a specific technology field or application domain to accelerate market development and global competitiveness. As well as providing the 3DP Pan EU platform, a matchmaking tool for 3D printing service.
EISMEA I3 Instrument
The 3DOP project is an EISMEA I3 instrument by supporting interregional innovation projects in their commercialisation and scale-up phase giving them tools to overcome barriers and bring their project to investment level.
Transforming the Future of Manufacturing Through 3D Printing Innovation
In the dynamic landscape of modern manufacturing, 3D printing stands as a revolutionary force, showcasing remarkable potential in enhancing productivity, fostering combined functionality, and steering smart and green transitions. The transformative power of 3D Printing, however, encounters substantial bottlenecks that impede its widespread adoption, hindering the realisation of untapped investments. Recognising this challenge, 3DOP emerges as a groundbreaking initiative poised to eliminate these hurdles and unlock a new era of productive investments within a time frame of three years.
Challenges in the 3D Printing Landscape
Despite the evident benefi ts of 3D Printing in optimising production processes, challenges such as high costs, quality improvements, lack of automation, and a need for seamless digital integration persist. The innovative approach of 3DoP focuses on strategically addressing these bottlenecks through the setup of an integrated innovation and investment ecosystem framework, the development of targeted technical solutions, and the establishment of sustainable investment chains.
Key Objectives of 3DoP
The overarching objectives of 3DoP are multifaceted, aiming to deliver new or improved products, processes, and services in the manufacturing industry. This includes enabling efficiency and sustainability in 3D metal printing, reducing costs and time through innovative applications like 3D printed moulds with imprinted electronics, and fostering automation in the dental industry and 3D Print factories for Industry 4.0.
Maximising Impact
With a focus on post-production workfl ows in the early stages, 3DoP ensures scalability and higher volumes. Four packages of investment projects bundle efforts, addressing the needs of venture capitalists and leading companies for maximum impact.
Contributing to Economic Growth
With a keen eye on economic growth, 3DoP anticipates a substantial impact on the AM industry, projecting growth rates for its partners to surpass 55% by 2026. The project aims to valorise research results, connect SMEs, improve resource usage, and implement interregional demonstration cases, ensuring a holistic and sustainable approach to industrial transformation.
Strategic Impact Areas
3DoP is strategically positioned to contribute significantly to interregional innovation investments, digitalisation challenges, environmental sustainability, and enhanced regional cooperation. The project spans across regions including Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Croatia, and Poland, creating robust 3D Printing networks. The successful implementation of 3DoP requires the progressive involvement of 33 tech partners.
[Translate to English:] 3DOP partners
Key Technologies
The overarching objectives of 3DoP are multifaceted, aiming to deliver new or improved products, processes, and services in the manufacturing industry. This includes enabling efficiency and sustainability in 3D metal printing, reducing costs and time through innovative applications like 3D printed moulds with imprinted electronics, and fostering automation in the dental industry and 3D Print factories for Industry 4.0.
The project has produced a number of unique manufacturing solutions that offer new ways to engage with 3D Printing in the EU.
Find 3DOP at Formnext
The 3DOP project will be showcased at the Formnext 2024 conference, a global leader in additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing (3DP), running from November 19-22 in Frankfurt, Germany. This pivotal moment marks the halfway point of the 3DOP initiative, which focuses on overcoming key challenges in 3D printing—like cost, quality control, and digital integration—by developing innovative technologies and fostering partnerships.
The 3DOP team aims to attract investments and partnerships to advance 3DP technologies, with a focus on metal printing, automation, and post-production scalability. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore groundbreaking applications, such as 3D printed moulds with electronics and automation in dental manufacturing.
The event includes info sessions on technical value chains, demonstrations of cutting-edge 3DP technologies, and opportunities to network with industry leaders. A Demonstration Call will offer external companies a chance to trial these technologies and collaborate with 3DOP partners. Key takeaways include new business opportunities, project creation, and investment in promising startups and SMEs.
Visit the 3DOP booth at Formnext to learn more about joining the future of industrial innovation.
Call for Free Trials
3DOP Technical Demonstration and Service Offerings: Call for Free Trials
The 3DOP Technical Demonstration and Service Offerings aim to provide cutting-edge 3D printing solutions and support services to manufacturing industries in the EU. Through a Demonstration Call, companies can apply to test and validate 3D printing technologies, collaborate on new projects, and receive expert guidance—all free of charge.
Selected participants will gain access to both technical services (such as metal 3D printing and workflow automation) and non-technical services (such as funding opportunities, project creation, and coaching). This initiative supports companies in driving innovation, market commercialization, and sustainable growth in the 3D printing industry.
