When 3D meets business

All 65 participants knew at least something about 3D printing, but none of them knew the whole story: about the different types of printing processes, or the different materials that can be used (see the presentation by Bart Deweerdt below), nor about the enormous business applications that 3D printing offers already now (see the presentation by Bart Van der Schueren below).

They were even more impressed during the visit of the production area,  where some 120 3D printers of different types are installed.  Together they produce 400.000 pieces per year.

In the exhibition room we saw beautiful and original pieces of art that could never have been produced if not by 3D printers. Even more impressive were the numerous – often lifesaving – medical applications we heard about.

Disruptive is certainly the word to be associated with 3D printing technology … and with the company Materialise.