Germany has the first publicly accessible "transparent 3D factory"

Leipzig (ots)

• Unique project inaugurated in Leipzig
• Rapidobject aims to arouse interest, impart knowledge and make learning on the 3D printer possible
• Small and medium-sized companies, school pupils, trainees, students and job seekers are set to benefit

Opened today by Michael Kretschmer, Minister President of Saxony: Germany's first publicly accessible and company-run Gläserne 3D factory. On an area of over 1,000 square metres, the German pioneer in 3D printing, Leipzig-based Rapidobject, aims to provide small and medium-sized companies, as well as school pupils, trainees, students and job seekers, with advanced knowledge about this fascinating technology. Interested parties are also helped to plan their own objects and print them on site. "I think it's important that we offer people the opportunity to be inspired by the innovative possibilities of this mega-technology. Because 3D printing will revolutionise products and become a key driver for the industrial production of the future. This is precisely why the three-dimensional printing process is also being subsidised by the state in other industrial nations," says Petra Wallasch, founder and managing director of Rapidobject.

All highlights in one place

In order to facilitate training courses, workshops and practical applications, the Gläserne 3D Fabrik ügt has various highlights. These include an information and showroom where printed components, exhibits and consumer goods can be presented and experienced. There are also training rooms for workshops and rooms where computer workstations including 3D software and 3D printers are available for practical use. Visitors can also view certain areas of Rapidobject's professional production and follow live how prototypes, components and series are created that are not subject to confidentiality. In addition, designers can exhibit in the 3D ambience and companies can use the Gläserne 3D Fabrik as an event location. The Saxony Business Association is planning information events on site to show companies how important the technology will be for their competitiveness.

Knowledge deficits are to be remedied, especially among small and medium-sized companies

The Gläserne 3D Fabrik is part of a Germany-wide offensive by the Leipzig-based company to help eliminate the knowledge and application deficits regarding the technology in industry. In addition to specialist knowledge in online webinars, Rapidobject also offers a consulting service. The aim is to enable small and medium-sized companies in Germany in particular to professionally operate and successfully utilise 3D printing departments in their own companies in order to bundle the entire value creation on site. This is because competitors from abroad are already utilising this advantageous and often state-funded technology to a greater extent and are planning to expand the application, in some cases on a large scale. "Many companies in this country still don't realise that I can develop ideas faster and print customised products. And save energy, waste and emissions. Or reduce costs in general. Because I can print functional prototypes, components or products in a single piece, and now also in series production. Complex geometries can also be produced. I am no longer dependent on parts and supply chains, nor on a warehouse. All of this saves working capital, allows me to be faster, promotes innovation and my future viability," says Wallasch. As an example, she cites the lower unit of an industrial hoover, the prototype of which can cost tens of thousands of euros to manufacture in the traditional way and consists of various vendor parts. A data-based, 3D-printed and ready-to-use unit of the vacuum cleaner would save operational resources and cost less than 0.2 per cent of the total.

3D printing for pupils

Rapidobject, known for its development creativity, is currently in talks with the state of Saxony about a school-based educational programme in the field of 3D printing. Together with VDI-GaraGE, the innovative learning factory for science and technology, the 3D printing specialist has developed an education and application concept for schools in Saxony. It is intended to strengthen the creativity of children and young people in a technical environment and provide incentives for professional orientation. The content is to be coordinated with the relevant political bodies in the near future.

The 3D printing company, which was spun out of an existing reprographics company in 2010 by founder and current CEO Petra Wallasch and renamed Rapidobject, was way ahead of its time. As early as 2007, Wallasch established the world's first online shop for 3D printed models. While companies in the industry mainly print objects to order, Rapidobject set up its own research and development department years ago in addition to its "printing on demand" offering. This department co-operates with the HTWK Leipzig, the Fraunhofer Institute and the Technical University of Berlin, among others. The Leipzig-based company, which now works for 20,000 customers from Germany's key economic sectors, has developed and produced a wide range of innovative products for industry. The company's objects have already travelled into space with NASA. Rapidobject's innovations also focus on so-called bionic components that utilise intelligent natural structures. Among other things, the Leipzig-based company has now developed 3D printable transport packaging based on renewable, CO2-neutral and recyclable raw materials, which are intended to replace the increasing use of plastic. Founder and CEO Wallasch shares the concern with other experts that German companies are being left behind internationally in 3D printing (see also Global Printing Report, Ernst & Young 2020). In addition, other countries are supporting the use of 3D printing with funding measures. And this is already happening in the education sector, for example in China: the first 3D printing university was founded years ago in Guangzhou (3DRUCK.com, Dec. 2014). And in Chinese primary and secondary schools, children are taught 3D printing at least once a week (cri online, 2022).

Source: Press release Rapidobject GmbH from 03/07/2024