#3DStartup: Mobile Smart Factory Production Module Promotes Local Manufacturing

A few months ago we first unveiled the concept of the Mobile Smart Factory, an intelligent production module that integrates additive manufacturing technologies as well as post-processing solutions for on-site part development. This project, which stems from a division of Bionic Production GmbH, aims to pave the way for cost-effective and reliable stand-alone 3D printing of parts. Furthermore, with the advent of COVID-19 globally, the industry has seen the supply chain experience disruptions and prevented supplying companies with on-demand parts. This is one of the solutions that promotes local manufacturing, and has earned our recognition as a featured startup of the month for April. To learn more about the modules, we spoke with one of the brains behind the project.

3DN: Can you introduce yourself and tell about your relationship to 3D printing?

Johannes Schmidt

I am Johannes Schmidt, an expert in the fields of project management, strategy development and business analysis. Mobile Smart Factory is a division of Bionic Production GmbH, an innovative full-service provider for industrial additive manufacturing. Our mission is to increase performance and create added value through bionic 3D printing for our customers. In recent years, we have successfully implemented a wide range of industrial projects for renowned companies, such as part screening, bionic design or serial production of 3D printed metals. Since 2019, our company is also proud to be part of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), a leading European logistics company. This clearly shows that also the logistics and maritime industry has recognized the enormous potential to be gained from 3D printing.

3DN: How did the idea of creating the Mobile Smart Factory come about?

One of Bionic Production’s main products is the Mobile Smart Factory, a modular container factory equipped with 3D printing devices for the production of metals and polymers. The product idea has been developed with our affiliated company, the Hamburg port operator. Together, we set our sights on addressing supply chain challenges, especially for industries operating in remote areas. We quickly realized that the ability to produce and repair parts locally with a “3D printing factory in a box” offers enormous potential. Instead of keeping all physical parts in stock, spare parts can be virtually stocked and printed on demand. Companies also reduce the time and expense associated with supplying spare parts. Finally, the risk of production downtime due to bottlenecks in the chain is mitigated, as our Mobile Smart Factory enables rapid production in close proximity to the customer.