Learn, Network and Explore in Manufacturing

Three Dutch and Flemish organisations have been forging a plan to release a 3D manufacturing event to the world: a week of immersion in the world of 3D Manufacturing and 3D Printing. The event will unite and strengthen several important 3D activities from the Benelux Area and will offer other global and local organisers to present their event, workshop or conference in that week in order to take a leap forward in knowledge, experience and network for all participants. "We'll unite strong brands under one banner to create a world-class event," according to the proud founding fathers of the 3D Delta Week. 

Brainport Eindhoven, Flam3D, Jakajima and Mikrocentrum have each been active, in a complementary way, in supporting the 3D Manufacturing sector for many years. There were already close collaborations between each of these organisations and a next step forward seemed obvious. Even before corona-times, the partners met to discuss how a thorough cooperation could best take shape, in order to create a week where the value chain will Learn, Network and Explore in 3D Manufacturing. A week which brings together all those involved in 3D Manufacturing.  

To give the 3D Delta Week a head start, about a dozen activities have already been planned. There are activities aimed at specific sectors, at R&D and industry, at users and suppliers. In addition, all aspects of the technology will be addressed. "3D Delta Week is about bundling the offerings of the different parties in order to generate a concentration of knowledge, products, services and a glimpse of the future", Tom Wessels from Mikrocentrum explains.  

Appeal 

The initial agenda will be published on the event website, yet the partners expect many more organisers to join. Co-organiser Pieter Hermans of Jakajima explains: “We know that a lot of other innovations and initiatives are also possible this week – think of demos, company visits, sector-specific matchmaking or master classes. We explicitly invite all other commercial, research institutions and non-profit organisations to contribute to the 3D Delta Week”. The events organised will be planned in a way that makes it logical to move from one activity to another.  More information will soon be made available to register organisations and submit proposals for events or activities.  

Purpose  

Kris Binon of Flam3D explains the origin of 3D Delta Week: "3D printing is still too unknown, according to various studies. The manufacturing industry does not always see how they can apply the technology to their advantage. This is partly due to the complexity and diversity of 3D printing. With more than 25 different printing technologies, it is not immediately clear what you can use for which application.". 

"On the other hand, we can safely say that the Benelux area (the Delta) is a top region in terms of 3D printing, with a lot of academic and applied research, a particularly high number of printers and numerous promising start-ups and enterprises ", adds Ruben Fokkema of Brainport Eindhoven. "On the user side, we see a multitude of application areas - all in all, a versatile and high-quality ecosystem. If we connect this more and give it a better podium, the Netherlands and Belgium will be widely recognized as one of the leading 3D print regions". 

The goal of the 3D Delta Week is to contribute to the further development of 3D Manufacturing, to become more competitive as an economic region. To the organisers, the final objective is clear: "3D Delta Week will be the annual meeting point for everyone involved in 3D Manufacturing, whether inside or outside the Benelux Delta. We are going to create value for users and providers".