Addmio, an online platform to learn 3D printing

While 3D printing is gradually taking hold in our businesses and industries, it is still a technology that is difficult to grasp. Specific skills are required to enter this market, whether in terms of materials, equipment or design. A number of universities and companies have now launched their 3D printing training offer, helping professionals to develop their knowledge. This knowledge is more or less accessible and concrete, which is why Addmio was created: the young startup has set itself the goal of making additive manufacturing accessible to all through an intuitive online platform. This platform allows people to follow various practical courses to acquire the necessary skills to get started in 3D printing. We met with its founder, Robin Huizing, to learn more about how this solution works.

3DN: Could you present yourself and your link with 3D printing?

My name is Robin Huizing, I’m living and working in the 3D printing industry in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, for the past 5 years. During my Industrial design study, I did an internship at a design studio in Amsterdam. One of the first assignments I did there was to redesign a lighting fixture, specifically for 3D printing. It took me some time to redesign it without constantly checking all the limitations that are part of designing for processes like injection molding. Once the design was finished I ordered it at Shapeways, a large 3D Printing marketplace. They delivered it within a week, for around twenty euros. I was blown away.

Robin Huizing

The part I designed was a technical part, with integrated snap fits and screw threads. All produced in one go, in strong and flexible sintered nylon powder. This was a single, end-use part. The best thing was that this part could be immediately sold in their online market place, with a markup. I was so impressed by this technology and the way it completely disrupted the design process and the supply chain, that I visited Shapeways and applied for a job. They hired me as a 3D printing engineer after my graduation and I really made my hands dirty. I’ve worked in every production team in the facility and prepared, 3D printed and cleaned more than 10,000 models.