Mything: Pioneering Local 3D Printed Product Customization in Austria

The world of manufacturing is undergoing a profound transformation, with 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, emerging as a disruptive force. This technology empowers unprecedented levels of customization and local production, challenging traditional supply chains. At the forefront of this revolution in Austria is Mything, an innovative online marketplace connecting consumers with a diverse array of locally 3D printed products. From chic fashion accessories and essential office supplies to practical everyday items, Mything leverages cutting-edge 3D printing technologies to bring personalized creations to life. Following its recent official launch, we had the exclusive opportunity to speak with Florian Mott, Mything’s visionary CEO, to gain deeper insights into how this pioneering platform successfully bridges the gap between creative designers, skilled local manufacturers, and enthusiastic users, fostering a new ecosystem for bespoke goods.

3DN: Mr. Mott, could you elaborate on the journey that led to the inception of Mything? What inspired the creation of this unique platform?

Our team has always harbored a deep fascination for digital production and the expansive possibilities that 3D printing technologies offer. My personal journey into this space was significantly shaped by my background in marketing, particularly digital marketing, where I spent several years contemplating the concept of mass personalization in manufacturing. The traditional mass-production model, while efficient for standardized goods, often falls short in meeting the growing consumer demand for unique, customized products that reflect individual styles and needs.

This quest for personalization led us to diligently identify and analyze major international trends. We observed a clear shift towards on-demand manufacturing and localized production, driven by environmental concerns, the desire for faster delivery, and a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship. 3D printing stood out as the ideal technology to facilitate this vision. It inherently supports the creation of highly individualized items without the need for extensive tooling, making small-batch or even single-unit production economically viable. Moreover, its ability to produce goods locally was a critical factor for us, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and community empowerment. It was through the convergence of these different perspectives – the potential of digital production, the demand for mass personalization, and the strategic advantages of local 3D printing – that the concept for Mything was born and meticulously developed.

Mything proudly presents an expansive and carefully curated selection of approximately 800 distinct products across popular categories such as jewelry, home decor, and office accessories. What truly sets Mything apart is the unprecedented level of customization available to our customers. Users can choose from an impressive palette of 40 different materials and colors, allowing for truly unique and personal creations. These exquisite items are brought to life using advanced manufacturing techniques, primarily 3D printing and precision laser cutting, ensuring both intricate detail and superior quality.

For our initial launch, Mything successfully attracted and onboarded a vibrant community of 50 talented designers and collaborated with approximately 20 dedicated local 3D printing workshops and stores. This network forms the backbone of our localized production model. The customer journey on Mything is designed to be intuitive and empowering: a user navigates through our diverse product catalog, selects an item, and then proceeds to customize it according to their preferences in terms of material, color, and sometimes even dimensions or design elements. Once satisfied with their personalized creation, they choose a local manufacturer from our network. The final step offers flexibility – customers can either conveniently pick up their finished product directly from the local manufacturer, thereby engaging with the local economy, or opt for doorstep delivery, ensuring their custom item reaches them efficiently. This streamlined process underscores our commitment to providing a seamless, personalized, and locally-driven shopping experience.

3DN: What are the primary advantages that Mything offers to its diverse user base and the broader manufacturing ecosystem?

Mything brings forth a multitude of significant advantages that redefine the landscape of product manufacturing and distribution. One of the most critical benefits is the dramatic reduction in lead times. The traditional manufacturing and distribution process, from a designer’s initial concept to the final delivery to the customer, is notoriously complex and time-consuming. It typically involves numerous intermediaries, multiple stages of transport across vast distances, extensive warehousing, and intricate logistical planning, often stretching over weeks or even months. In stark contrast, Mything has streamlined this entire process into just a few efficient steps, reducing the timeframe from design to delivery to mere days. Our ambitious goal is to further compress this period to a matter of hours in the near future, making truly on-demand production a reality. This unparalleled speed is a game-changer for both designers and customers.

Beyond speed, Mything acts as a vital nexus, intelligently connecting three key stakeholders: innovative product designers, highly skilled local manufacturers equipped with 3D printing capabilities, and discerning customers who are keen to embrace the potential of personalized 3D printed goods. We are absolutely convinced that this direct interaction and collaboration foster a powerful synergy. By prioritizing local production, Mything not only reduces the ecological footprint associated with long-distance shipping but also injects vitality into local economies, supports regional businesses, and champions local craftsmanship and expertise. This commitment to ‘made local’ enhances the value proposition for all involved, promoting sustainable practices and strengthening community ties.

Furthermore, the platform’s focus on short delivery channels significantly contributes to environmental sustainability by minimizing transportation-related pollution and carbon emissions. This aligns with a growing global awareness and demand for eco-conscious consumption. Mything is also strategically positioned to capitalize on the increasing prevalence of 3D printing technology. As more individuals and small businesses acquire 3D printers, our marketplace will serve as an invaluable resource, connecting them with a vast network of designers and a robust demand for their manufacturing services. We envision Mything growing alongside the global adoption of 3D printing, evolving into the premier destination for anyone looking to design, produce, or purchase custom additive manufactured products. Our platform not only facilitates transactions but also cultivates a thriving community centered around innovation, customization, and sustainable local production.

3DN: Looking ahead, what are Mything’s strategic future projects and aspirations?

Our immediate strategic focus is on expanding our footprint beyond Austria. We are particularly eager to enter the vibrant German market, which offers significant opportunities given its strong industrial base and growing interest in advanced manufacturing technologies. This expansion will allow us to bring our unique local 3D printing marketplace model to a larger audience of designers, manufacturers, and consumers.

Following our successful establishment in Germany, our ambitions extend further. In 2019, we are planning for a more substantial international expansion, though the exact trajectory is still being finalized. We are actively exploring closer engagement with other key European countries, evaluating which markets are most receptive to our localized, customized production model. Simultaneously, we are considering the bold step of launching our platform in the United States, a market with immense potential for 3D printing adoption and personalization. The decision between these paths will be based on thorough market research and strategic alignment.

Ultimately, our long-term vision for Mything is remarkably ambitious: we aspire to become the ‘Amazon of 3D printing,’ but with a crucial distinction – an unwavering commitment to local production. This means we aim to offer the vast selection and user-friendly experience of a global e-commerce giant, but every product will be manufactured by local partners, minimizing environmental impact and maximizing economic benefit for local communities. This vision positions Mything not just as a marketplace, but as a global network of decentralized, sustainable, and highly responsive manufacturing hubs, revolutionizing how custom products are designed, produced, and delivered worldwide.

3DN: How do you envision the future trajectory and broader development of 3D printing technology?

The future of 3D printing is exceptionally dynamic and promising, extending far beyond its current applications. While we frequently hear about numerous groundbreaking developments in the medical field – from custom prosthetics and implants to bioprinting organs – and significant advancements in various industrial sectors, such as aerospace and automotive for rapid prototyping and complex part manufacturing, these merely scratch the surface of its ultimate potential. In the medium term, I firmly believe that 3D printing is poised to instigate a fundamental and transformative change across the entire product lifecycle.

This profound shift will impact several critical areas. Firstly, it will revolutionize product design, liberating designers from the constraints of traditional manufacturing methods and enabling the creation of intricate geometries, highly optimized structures, and truly unique aesthetics that were previously impossible or cost-prohibitive. Secondly, the impact on production will be immense. We will see a significant move towards on-demand manufacturing, decentralized production, and hyper-customization, reducing waste and increasing efficiency. Factories of the future might be smaller, more agile, and globally distributed, responding rapidly to local needs. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, 3D printing will fundamentally alter how consumers purchase products. The ability to customize items, have them produced locally, and receive them rapidly will change consumer expectations, fostering a new era of personalized consumption and local economic engagement. It’s not just about making things faster or cheaper; it’s about fundamentally rethinking the relationship between creation, production, and consumption in a sustainable and highly individualized manner.

3DN: Do you have a final message or call to action for our readers?

Absolutely! We warmly invite all your readers to explore the innovative world we’ve built at Mything. Come and discover our platform at www.mything.com! While our primary network of manufacturing partners is currently based in Austria, it’s important to note that these talented local producers are equipped to send their beautifully 3D printed products to numerous countries worldwide. This means that even if you’re not in Austria, you can still experience the quality and customization that Mything offers. Dive into a new way of shopping, where personalization meets local craftsmanship and sustainable practices.

We are genuinely excited about the future of Mything and the broader impact of 3D printing. We’d love to hear your thoughts on our marketplace and the transformative potential of additive manufacturing. What do you think of Mything? Do you believe in the power of local production and customization? Please share your insights and comments below, or connect with us and the 3Dnatives community on their Facebook and Twitter pages! And to stay at the forefront of all the latest developments and breakthroughs in the dynamic world of 3D printing, don’t forget to sign up for the free weekly 3Dnatives Newsletter, delivering all the essential news straight to your inbox! Your engagement helps us all push the boundaries of innovation and create a more personalized and sustainable future.