IGO3D: Pioneering Additive Manufacturing Distribution and Empowering Innovation Across Europe

The landscape of additive manufacturing is undergoing a rapid and transformative evolution, consistently introducing groundbreaking innovations in 3D printers, software solutions, advanced materials, and sophisticated post-processing techniques. This dynamic environment presents both immense opportunities and significant challenges for businesses of all sizes striving to integrate these technologies. Navigating the constant influx of new trends and selecting the optimal additive manufacturing solution can be a complex endeavor. A crucial question for any organization is how to ensure a successful and profitable investment in this technology. This is precisely where the expertise of market leaders and seasoned professionals—including manufacturers, distributors, and specialized 3D printing service providers—becomes indispensable. Among these key players, IGO3D stands out as a formidable presence. Established in Germany in 2013, IGO3D has rapidly ascended to become one of Europe’s premier distributors, renowned for its extensive portfolio of technologies and brands. From Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and high-precision stereolithography (SLA), IGO3D leverages its profound industry knowledge and comprehensive offerings to broaden access to cutting-edge 3D technologies for a diverse clientele. To gain deeper insights into the company’s strategic vision and ambitious future, we had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Athanassios Kotrotsios, its General Manager, and Tom Mersie, Channel Development Manager for IGO3D in the Benelux region.

A Deep Dive into Personal Journeys and the Passion for Additive Manufacturing

3DN: Could you please introduce yourselves and elaborate on your personal connection to additive manufacturing?

Athanassios Kotrotsios: My journey with IGO3D began after completing my MBA in 2015. To be candid, I was initially skeptical about the transformative power of 3D printing. However, I was drawn to the prospect of joining a young, agile company operating within a rapidly evolving and dynamic market. This curiosity led me to IGO3D. Very quickly, I was entrusted with significant responsibilities, including developing new markets and engaging directly with our customers. It was through these direct interactions that I truly began to grasp the immense potential and tangible benefits that additive manufacturing offers to its users. There’s a profound satisfaction in witnessing our customers’ reactions when they hold a 3D printed part in their hands – a realization of a concept made real. This unique feeling, seeing the concrete value and innovative possibilities that 3D technology generates, is what ultimately captivated me and fuels my passion for this market today. It’s more than just selling equipment; it’s about enabling innovation and solving real-world problems for businesses and individuals alike.

Tom Mersie: My immersion into the world of additive manufacturing started even earlier, in 2013, when I had the exciting opportunity to open the very first 3D printing retail shop, ‘3D Print Factory,’ in Antwerp. This early venture provided me with hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the emerging market. Two years later, I transitioned to Trideus/Distrinova, where I served as CCO and subsequently as a specialized 3D printing sales expert, further honing my skills and expanding my network within the industry. My current role as Channel Development Manager for IGO3D in Benelux marks a significant milestone, as I am the first full-time employee of IGO3D operating outside of Germany. This position allows me to leverage my extensive background to drive IGO3D’s expansion into new European territories, building strong partnerships and ensuring our cutting-edge solutions reach a broader customer base.

The Genesis of a Distribution Powerhouse: IGO3D’s Journey in Additive Manufacturing

3DN: IGO3D has established itself as one of the leading distributors in Germany. How did your remarkable journey begin?

Athanassios: IGO3D was founded in 2013 with a very clear and ambitious vision: to democratize 3D printing technology, making it genuinely accessible to everyone. Our founders were driven by the belief that this revolutionary technology should not be confined to industrial labs but should empower individuals in their homes and revolutionize production processes across various sectors. We were pioneers in this space, launching Europe’s first online store specifically dedicated to desktop 3D printers. Complementing our digital presence, we strategically opened several physical retail stores across key German cities like Stuttgart, Frankfurt, and Oldenburg, allowing customers to experience the technology firsthand. Beyond sales, a crucial part of our initial strategy involved creating rich, educational content about 3D printing. This content aimed to demystify the technology, showcase its vast possibilities, and provide practical guidance on how to effectively use it. We capitalized on the nascent hype surrounding 3D printing, actively promoting the technology at numerous trade shows, securing features on national television, and engaging enthusiastically on various social media channels, as well as hosting local community events. Today, our conviction in the power and endless possibilities of 3D printing remains stronger than ever, and we continue our mission to spread awareness and facilitate adoption of this transformative technology. We believe that by providing robust support, accessible products, and comprehensive education, we can truly empower a new generation of creators and manufacturers.

Mastering Diverse Additive Manufacturing Technologies and Materials

3DN: Which 3D printing technologies do you currently specialize in and offer to your clientele?

Athanassios: At IGO3D, our commitment to providing comprehensive access to additive technologies is reflected in our diverse portfolio. Today, we offer an extensive array of advanced additive manufacturing solutions. This includes popular methods such as material extrusion (FFF/FDM), which is renowned for its versatility and cost-effectiveness. We also delve into various light-curing technologies like Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP), prized for their exceptional detail and smooth surface finishes. For industrial-grade applications requiring strength and precision, we master selective laser sintering (SLS). Furthermore, we extend our expertise to 3D scanning solutions, crucial for reverse engineering and quality control processes. Our overarching vision is to facilitate access to additive technologies for every type of user, irrespective of their experience level or application needs. Consequently, our offerings span machines and materials tailored for everyone, from enthusiastic beginners and hobbyists to advanced professional users and large-scale production companies. To truly unlock the vast creative and functional ideas of our customers, we also provide an exceptionally broad range of materials. We firmly believe that the material choice brings applications to life. Therefore, our inventory includes standard, user-friendly materials like PLA and PETG, alongside advanced reinforced technical materials, typically enhanced with glass or carbon fiber for increased strength and durability. For demanding industrial applications, we supply high-performance, high-temperature materials such as PEI, PEEK, and even metal filaments, enabling a multitude of innovative possibilities.

Tom: Throughout my career, I’ve had the invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and deep proficiency across a spectrum of 3D printing technologies, including FFF, SLA, SLS, and Multi Jet Fusion. This diverse technical background allows me to expertly advise clients on the best solutions. In my current capacity overseeing the Benelux portfolio, I manage a robust selection of leading 3D printer brands. These include BCN3D, Intamsys, Envisiontec, Creality, Anycubic, and Snapmaker, catering to a wide range of budgets and application requirements. Complementing these machines, I also oversee a comprehensive range of high-quality materials from renowned manufacturers such as BASF, Solvay, Maertz, and Lehmann&Voss&Co, with plans to further expand this offering to meet evolving market demands. This holistic approach ensures that our Benelux clients have access to both state-of-the-art hardware and the finest materials, enabling them to achieve their additive manufacturing goals effectively.

Understanding IGO3D’s Diverse Customer Base and Key Applications

3DN: Who constitutes IGO3D’s customer base, and what are their primary applications for 3D printing?

Athanassios: At IGO3D, we operate with a sophisticated multi-channel strategy designed to cater to distinct market segments effectively. Our extensive distribution network primarily focuses on entry-level additive technologies. These solutions are carefully curated to provide easy and accessible entry points for consumers, featuring popular brands such as MAERTZ, Creality3D, Anycubic, and Snapmaker. Customers in this segment typically utilize their 3D printers for a variety of personal and creative applications, including intricate modeling, engaging DIY projects, and diverse craft endeavors. This segment is crucial for fostering wider adoption and familiarity with 3D printing. Our other direct sales channel is exclusively dedicated to serving businesses. For these clients, our approach is centered on delivering comprehensive, end-to-end solutions. Companies are increasingly eager to integrate additive technologies into their existing production processes, and we act as their strategic partner throughout this transformation. To ensure seamless and successful integration, we actively work to identify and remove potential barriers at every stage of the implementation process. This involves providing extensive support services, comprehensive training programs, and ongoing consultation. While most companies still predominantly leverage 3D printing for rapid prototyping and the production of specialized tools and fixtures, we are observing a significant and growing trend. More and more, businesses are exploring and adopting more technical and high-performance materials to produce functional end-use parts as well as critical replacement components, demonstrating a maturation in the industrial application of additive manufacturing.

Tom: My customer base in the Benelux region is remarkably diverse, reflecting the broad appeal and utility of 3D printing. It ranges from burgeoning small online stores and established large online retailers to specialized 3D printing shops, many of which boast one or more physical showrooms. Ultimately, regardless of the channel, our mission is to effectively serve the end customer. This includes the enthusiastic DIY market, where hobbyists and makers find innovative solutions; the professional market, encompassing designers, engineers, and small businesses; and the industrial market, where robust, high-performance additive manufacturing solutions are critical for production and advanced applications. This wide reach ensures that IGO3D provides value across the entire spectrum of additive manufacturing needs.

IGO3D’s Strategic International Expansion and Future Initiatives

3DN: What are IGO3D’s key future projects and strategic directions?

Athanassios: Building on our established success in German-speaking markets and extending our reach into CIS countries, IGO3D is now taking a decisive step towards broader internationalization. We recognize a significant and unmet demand among various companies across numerous European countries for reliable access to essential additive manufacturing equipment and support. Our international expansion is specifically designed to address and fulfill this critical need. Initially, our focus is on strategically expanding our robust distribution network into the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) and Southern Europe. This expansion is supported by the recruitment of new, talented employees who will ensure that local customers can directly benefit from our comprehensive and innovative range of products in the additive manufacturing sector. To facilitate this, we have diligently extended our contracts with many highly reputable manufacturers – partners with whom IGO3D has enjoyed successful collaborations for years in the German-speaking region – to include exclusive distribution rights for the Benelux region and beyond. As a result, IGO3D is now uniquely positioned to offer its European neighbors a full spectrum of products. This includes accessible entry-level solutions from leading manufacturers such as Creality3D, Snapmaker, Anycubic, and MAERTZ, alongside our premium, higher-end product range featuring sophisticated systems from Intamsys, EnvisionTec, BCN3D, and advanced materials like BASF Ultracure and Ultrafuse, Solvay, and Lehvoss Luvocom. Our strategy relies on cultivating a strong network of local resellers, whom we will strategically support in their market penetration efforts. This reseller-focused approach complements our long-term objective of building a direct sales force, creating a hybrid model that maximizes market reach and customer engagement across Europe. This holistic strategy underpins our commitment to becoming the leading force in European additive manufacturing distribution.

Tom: Looking ahead, the Benelux portfolio will undergo continuous enhancement. In the near future, we anticipate adding even more advanced technologies and esteemed brands to our current offerings. This strategic expansion is directly aimed at better responding to the evolving and increasingly sophisticated demands of the market. IGO3D is already recognized as the biggest player in Europe, but our ambition extends far beyond our current standing. We are committed to sustained growth and a significant expansion of our activities not just across the entire European continent, but potentially even further afield. Our strategic outlook is fundamentally global; we believe it’s imperative to think in terms of worldwide opportunities and to actively transcend traditional territorial borders to truly maximize our impact and reach in the additive manufacturing industry.

Forecasting the Trajectory of 3D Printing in the Next Five Years

3DN: How do you envision the evolution of 3D printing technology and its adoption over the next five years?

Athanassios: Over the next five years, I foresee a significant acceleration in the adoption of 3D printing technologies across diverse industries. An increasing number of companies will undoubtedly recognize and fully integrate the immense potential that additive manufacturing offers into their operational frameworks. This will be paralleled by an unprecedented influx of new and advanced materials entering the market. These novel materials will dramatically broaden the scope of applications, enabling innovative solutions that are currently unimaginable. Furthermore, several critical factors will gain heightened importance in future production paradigms. These include the burgeoning trends of on-demand production, which significantly reduces waste and inventory; localized production, fostering resilience in supply chains and reducing environmental impact; enhanced design freedom, allowing for complex geometries and optimized functionalities; and efficient small-batch production, enabling customization and rapid iteration. Additive manufacturing inherently facilitates all these factors, positioning 3D printing as not merely a supplemental tool, but an indispensable and integral component of future production processes worldwide. Beyond industrial applications, I also anticipate a notable increase in the adoption of 3D printers within households. The consumer sector is poised to embrace this technology for a myriad of personal uses, ranging from producing custom toys and educational models to printing essential spare parts, thereby empowering individuals with unprecedented manufacturing capabilities.

Tom: In the coming five years, I believe 3D printing is set to become truly ubiquitous and accessible to everyone, transcending its current niche status. We will witness an accelerating trend where more and more products are conceptualized and specifically designed with 3D printing in mind, leveraging its unique capabilities for customization and efficiency. The emergence of robust digital databases offering readily available print files will simplify the entire process, allowing users to easily download and process designs for immediate fabrication. This democratization of design and manufacturing will empower individuals and businesses alike. Critically, local on-demand manufacturing is poised to become an exceptionally vital topic, especially in the context of our global efforts to combat climate change. By reducing transportation emissions and enabling localized production, 3D printing offers a sustainable pathway toward more responsible and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices. The future of 3D printing is not just about technology; it’s about transforming how we design, produce, and consume, creating a more sustainable and empowered world.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Future of Additive Manufacturing

3DN: Do you have any final words or advice for our readers?

Athanassios & Tom: Our collective message to everyone interested in this transformative field is simple yet profound: stop contemplating and start printing! The world of additive manufacturing is incredibly welcoming, and it is genuinely never too late to embark on this exciting new adventure. The learning curve is rewarding, and the potential for innovation is boundless. We encourage you to discover more about the possibilities and how IGO3D can support your journey by visiting our comprehensive official website. There, you’ll find a wealth of information on our products, services, and expert insights designed to guide you through the additive manufacturing landscape.

*Thumbnail photo credits: IGO3D

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