Application-Ready Parts, Not Just Prints — Interview with Emil Garritsen on Layfa’s AM Approach

Layfa is a Netherlands-based, family-run provider of polymer additive manufacturing that combines 3D printing, engineering, and 3D scanning for industrial use, positioned as an extension of customers’ development and production workflows rather than a standalone print shop. The name “Layfa,” derived from “layer factory,” underscores a practical focus on layer-by-layer manufacturing and hands-on production. Operating from Haaksbergen and Doetinchem, the company emphasizes advisory engagement and short communication lines typical of a small technical team.

The portfolio covers SLS, SLA, and FFF for plastics only. Projects often begin with a scan or a sketch that is converted into production-ready CAD, with reverse engineering when original geometry is unavailable. Deliverables range from prototypes to small series of machine components and other project-driven parts, as well as models.

Post-processing targets fit, finish, and durability, including dyeing, wet painting, impregnation for water resistance, tumbling, thread tapping, inserts, and vapor smoothing. The goal is to meet application requirements within a single AM-centric workflow without handing parts off to external steps.

Interview with Emil Garritsen

Layfa founder Emil Garritsen—an engineer at heart—speaks with 3Druck.com about why he started the company and how it positions polymer additive manufacturing within real industrial workflows, pairing engineering and scanning with production. He reflects on adoption hurdles, the role of post-processing and faster processes, and the growing pull of automation—framing a concise, technically grounded conversation that invites a closer read.

What motivated you to start Layfa, and how do you see your company’s role within the broader additive manufacturing landscape?

I started Layfa because I wanted to build my own company in a growing industry—hence 3D printing. It also had to be related to technology, since I am an engineer and passionate about it.

Layfa is positioned as an addition to business processes. We are not a “standard” 3D printing service, but one with added value. Think of 3D scanning and engineering. It often happens that we 3D print parts and, when we ask the client why or how they function, we receive vague answers like “It works, but…” or “Yes, it could be different, but how?” We address those questions, ensuring that the product performs better in the intended application.

From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges clients face when adopting 3D printing and 3D scanning technologies today?

The first challenge is getting clients to the table. Only then can we start integrating what is possible with 3D printing and 3D scanning. Many still assume that plastics from additive manufacturing have the same properties as in traditional applications, which is not the case.

In addition, 3D printing and 3D scanning involve broader tolerances compared to traditional techniques. This is also a major challenge—fitting everything properly. In most cases, the requested tolerances are not even necessary, but they are still included on the technical drawings.

Materials and processes in additive manufacturing are evolving quickly. Which developments do you consider most impactful for the industry right now?

In my view, progress at the core level is relatively limited at the moment. The most meaningful movement is happening in post-processing, with vapor smoothing as the clearest example, and that is the development I consider the most important in recent years because it delivers the improvement right after printing. Alongside that, the increase in process speed has been significant. SLA, SLS, and FDM have all become noticeably faster, and that change alone represents a practical step forward for day-to-day work even without major shifts in other areas.

Looking ahead, what opportunities and trends do you think will shape the future of additive manufacturing over the next five to ten years?

Robotics is on the horizon, specifically AI-driven robots, and I am seriously considering acquiring one myself. The motivation is operational: it reduces hassle and limits the need to hire additional staff. I would like to employ people, but current regulations make that difficult, so automation becomes the more feasible option in the near term. Over the next five to ten years, this is the trend I expect to matter most.

You can find further information about Layfa on the company’s website.