Unlocking Seamless 3D Printing Adoption: Insights from Industry Leaders and the 3DEXPERIENCE Make Platform

On the 26th of February, we convened for our inaugural webinar of 2020, dedicated to guiding companies through the intricate yet rewarding journey of adopting 3D printing. For anyone engaged with cutting-edge technology, it’s undeniable that additive manufacturing has ascended to prominence in recent years, consistently capturing the spotlight. This innovative technology promises transformative changes across various sectors, offering unparalleled design freedom, accelerated product development, and the potential for significant cost efficiencies. However, integrating it effectively into existing projects or operations is not always straightforward. While the market now boasts a plethora of new, rapid, and often cost-effective 3D printing techniques, presenting formidable alternatives to conventional manufacturing methods like injection molding and CNC machining, businesses often face a crucial dilemma: Which service provider should they trust? How can they ensure their parts are produced to the highest standards? And most importantly, from whom should they seek expert advice to navigate this evolving landscape?

Our recent webinar served as a comprehensive guide, addressing these fundamental questions for businesses eager to embark on their additive manufacturing journey. We were privileged to host Benoit Schildknecht from Dassault Systèmes, who provided an in-depth look at the 3DEXPERIENCE Make solution. This cutting-edge platform stands as a cornerstone in on-demand manufacturing, connecting users with hundreds of reputable 3D printing service providers worldwide. Enhancing the discussion, we were also joined by Jason Laing and Gavin Leggott, the visionary founders of Promake International, a leading UK-based 3D printing service bureau. They shared invaluable insights drawn from their extensive experience with the 3DEXPERIENCE Make platform, offering a practitioner’s perspective on its benefits and practical applications.

Navigating the Path to Additive Manufacturing Adoption

Benoit Schildknecht, a vital member of the 3DEXPERIENCE Marketplace team, plays a pivotal role in expanding the utilization and impact of this innovative platform. With a rich background spanning numerous global marketplaces, Benoit possesses a deep understanding of digital ecosystems and a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement, consistently integrating customer feedback to refine these platforms. During the webinar, Benoit emphasized the platform’s mission: “I hope we can meet during this webinar and discuss the 3DEXPERIENCE Marketplace and how we could help you meet more service providers easily in order to accelerate and improve your various projects or your design for additive manufacturing.” His statement encapsulates the core value proposition of the 3DEXPERIENCE Make solution – to streamline the often-complex process of sourcing additive manufacturing services, thereby empowering companies to bring their innovative designs to fruition faster and more efficiently. The platform acts as a crucial bridge, connecting businesses with a diverse network of verified 3D printing service bureaus, ensuring access to a wide array of technologies, materials, and expertise needed for successful project execution.

Jason Laing’s illustrious career began in 1996 as a manufacturing jeweller, an early exposure point to additive manufacturing when the technology was still in its nascent stages. This foundational experience sparked a lifelong dedication to the field. Having traveled extensively, living and working in over 72 countries alongside pioneering additive manufacturing professionals, Jason amassed a global perspective on the technology’s potential. His journey led him back to South Africa, where he collaborated with Maxillofacial surgeons, spearheading innovative surgery processes that leveraged the precision and customization capabilities of 3D printing. This pioneering work underscored the life-changing impact AM can have. Following this, Jason relocated to the UK, establishing Promake International, a forward-thinking service bureau specializing in advanced additive manufacturing processes. His current work extends to incorporating cutting-edge materials like Graphene and integrating smart materials linked to artificial intelligence and machine learning, catering to diverse industry sectors. Promake International, under Jason’s leadership, exemplifies how sophisticated AM services can be delivered and efficiently discovered through platforms like 3DEXPERIENCE Make, ensuring that even the most specialized projects find the right manufacturing partner.

Gavin Leggott, co-founder of Promake International, brings over 12 years of profound experience in additive manufacturing, cementing his status as an expert in 3D technologies, material science, and modern manufacturing practices. His career began in the early 2000s, immersing him in additive manufacturing and 3D scanning, allowing him to witness firsthand the monumental shifts in 3D printing, Industry 4.0, and manufacturing techniques over the decades. This unique vantage point has equipped him with an unparalleled understanding of the industry’s evolution and future trajectory. Gavin currently spearheads Promake’s operations across the South African and broader African regions, which seamlessly run in parallel with the UK office, leveraging shared technologies and expertise. His leadership ensures that Promake International remains at the forefront of delivering innovative and reliable 3D printing solutions to a global clientele, showcasing the power of collaborative and interconnected manufacturing strategies facilitated by platforms like 3DEXPERIENCE Make.

Filippos holds the strategic position of leading the business development efforts for 3Dnatives, recognized as the world’s largest international media platform dedicated to 3D printing. His background is firmly rooted in business development and sales, having cultivated extensive experience in these domains. Following his studies in “International Business and Economics” in both the Netherlands and the UK, Filippos honed his skills in the UK, where he successfully developed and managed a team of 35 professionals. His passion for innovation led him to pivot his focus towards new technologies, specifically 3D printing, joining 3Dnatives in 2018. Since then, he has been instrumental in driving the company’s global expansion, forging crucial partnerships with the most significant players and innovators across the worldwide 3D printing ecosystem. Filippos’s role at 3Dnatives is crucial in disseminating knowledge and fostering connections within the additive manufacturing community, complementing the practical solutions offered by platforms like 3DEXPERIENCE Make and expert service bureaus such as Promake International.

The Transformative Power of Additive Manufacturing for Businesses

The widespread adoption of additive manufacturing is fundamentally reshaping how products are designed, developed, and produced. For businesses across various sectors, embracing 3D printing translates into a wealth of strategic advantages. One of the most significant benefits is the unprecedented freedom in design. Unlike traditional methods constrained by tooling and molds, 3D printing allows for the creation of complex geometries, intricate internal structures, and highly customized components that were once deemed impossible. This capability accelerates innovation, enabling engineers and designers to push the boundaries of creativity without sacrificing functionality or structural integrity. Furthermore, additive manufacturing excels in rapid prototyping, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with iterative design cycles. Companies can quickly produce functional prototypes, test them, and refine designs in a fraction of the time compared to conventional approaches. This agility is critical in today’s fast-paced markets, where speed to market can be a decisive competitive differentiator. Beyond prototyping, 3D printing is also increasingly viable for on-demand, low-volume production, eliminating the need for extensive inventory and minimizing waste. The ability to produce parts only when needed, close to the point of use, enhances supply chain resilience and reduces logistical complexities. As material science continues to advance, the range of applications for 3D printing expands, from lightweight aerospace components to biocompatible medical devices, making it a truly versatile and transformative technology for modern enterprises seeking to gain an edge.

Streamlining 3D Printing Implementation: Addressing Common Hurdles

Despite its immense potential, the journey to successfully implement 3D printing within a company can present several challenges. Businesses often grapple with the initial investment in specialized equipment, the complexities of material selection, and the steep learning curve associated with design for additive manufacturing (DfAM). Identifying the right technology for specific applications, understanding the nuances of various printing processes (like FDM, SLA, SLS, DMLS), and ensuring part quality and repeatability are critical hurdles. Moreover, the landscape of 3D printing service providers can be vast and fragmented, making it difficult for companies, especially those new to AM, to find reliable, high-quality partners that can meet their precise requirements. Questions about pricing transparency, lead times, and quality control are common concerns. This is precisely where platforms like Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE Make become invaluable. By curating a network of vetted service providers, offering transparent quoting systems, and streamlining the entire procurement process, these digital marketplaces significantly lower the barriers to entry for 3D printing adoption. They provide a trusted ecosystem where companies can confidently connect with experts, manage their projects efficiently, and overcome the technical and logistical complexities inherent in integrating additive manufacturing into their operations, ultimately accelerating their path to innovation and market success.

Leveraging Digital Platforms for Seamless 3D Printing Services

In the rapidly evolving world of additive manufacturing, digital platforms have emerged as indispensable tools for businesses looking to harness the power of 3D printing efficiently. The 3DEXPERIENCE Make solution, as discussed by Benoit Schildknecht, exemplifies this trend by serving as a comprehensive, on-demand manufacturing marketplace. Such platforms play a crucial role in demystifying the additive manufacturing ecosystem and making it accessible to a wider audience. They achieve this by aggregating a vast network of professional service bureaus, each specializing in different 3D printing technologies, materials, and applications. This centralization simplifies the process of finding the right partner for any given project, whether it’s a complex metal prototype, a durable plastic end-use part, or highly specialized medical components. Beyond mere connection, these platforms often integrate features for transparent quoting, secure file transfer, project management, and quality assurance, ensuring a smooth and reliable workflow from design to delivery. For companies, this means significantly reduced time spent on vendor sourcing, clearer cost estimations, and increased confidence in the quality of the final product. By fostering a competitive yet collaborative environment, digital manufacturing platforms empower businesses to leverage cutting-edge 3D printing capabilities without the need for internal investment in machinery or specialized expertise, truly democratizing access to advanced manufacturing and fostering innovation across industries.

Watch the Replay of This Insightful Webinar!

This webinar offered an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the practicalities of adopting 3D printing, guided by industry leaders and pioneers. The discussions with Benoit Schildknecht from Dassault Systèmes illuminated the transformative potential of the 3DEXPERIENCE Make platform in streamlining access to advanced manufacturing services. Furthermore, the real-world experiences shared by Jason Laing and Gavin Leggott of Promake International provided tangible proof of how strategic partnerships and cutting-edge platforms can drive innovation and operational efficiency. We encourage all who seek to integrate additive manufacturing into their business models to watch the full replay. It’s an essential resource for understanding how to overcome common adoption barriers, identify reliable service providers, and leverage digital marketplaces to accelerate your projects, enhance design capabilities, and ultimately secure a competitive edge in today’s dynamic global market. The future of manufacturing is here, and with the right guidance and tools, your company can be at its forefront.