From Supplier to Development Partner – Interview with Fabian Strohschein of 3D Activation on Emerging Demands in Industrial 3D Printing

3D Activation GmbH, with locations in Wiesbaden (Germany) and Thun (Switzerland), operates as a service provider for industrial additive manufacturing. Founded in 2011, the company converts 3D CAD data into physical components, primarily for customers in mechanical engineering, architecture, product development and design.

The focus is on functional prototypes, small series and spare parts produced by 3D printing. The technology portfolio includes selective laser sintering (SLS), Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), PolyJet and ColorJet printing on a gypsum-based polymer. In addition, the company offers printing solutions in metal, ceramic, silver, PMMA and quartz sand, enabling both high-resolution models and durable functional parts as well as large-format molds.

At the Wiesbaden site, 3D Activation produces using several printing processes and a broad range of polymers and other materials; according to the company, a large number of material/technology combinations is available. Beyond printing itself, the service portfolio includes 3D scanning, design, visualization and training in additive manufacturing. In customer projects, the company addresses questions around material selection, process stability, post-processing and integration into existing development and production chains, and acts as a point of contact for design for additive manufacturing and the qualification of additively manufactured parts for series use.

Interview with Fabian Strohschein

In his conversation with 3Druck.com, Fabian Strohschein, Managing Director of 3D Activation GmbH, explains how industrial 3D printing has evolved in recent years and which challenges companies face when putting it into practice. He also discusses future trends such as automation, digital process chains and new materials, and assesses their relevance for industrial applications.

Which technological developments in 3D printing have most strongly shaped 3D Activation’s focus in recent years?

In recent years, advances in metal and high-performance polymer printing have had a major impact on our work. They enable us to turn complex components directly from design data into functional prototypes or even series parts. Integrated process monitoring is particularly important here, as it plays a central role in quality assurance, especially in development projects. We are also increasingly using hybrid manufacturing approaches that combine additive and conventional methods. This allows us to support our customers in implementing technically demanding products quickly and reliably.

What do you see as the main hurdles for companies that want to expand their industrial use of 3D printing?

For many companies, the step from prototypes to industrial series production is still a challenge. Development projects often show that process stability, post-processing and integration into existing production lines are the biggest stumbling blocks. High investment costs and the need for specialist knowledge in materials and process control make the transition even more difficult. Our experience shows that companies aiming for long-term success benefit from a partner who contributes technical expertise and helps establish reproducible quality and efficient workflows.

How have your industrial customers’ requirements for service, quality assurance and process integration in 3D printing changed in recent years?

Customer expectations have increased significantly. Service today means not only fast delivery, but also close collaboration from the initial idea and design through to a production-ready part. Quality assurance is an integral part of every step, from monitoring the build process to final inspection. In addition, our customers want 3D printing solutions to be seamlessly integrated into existing development processes. Digital workflows that link design, manufacturing and documentation are becoming increasingly important. For us, this means contributing our expertise at an early stage and actively accompanying development projects.

Which upcoming developments in areas such as automation, software workflows or materials will, in your view, have the strongest impact on the future of industrial 3D printing?

We see significant potential in the automation of post-processing and material handling, which can noticeably shorten development cycles. At the same time, software workflows are evolving into comprehensive digital ecosystems that tightly connect design, simulation, manufacturing and quality assurance. AI-supported optimization will enable even more precise predictions of part performance. In parallel, new materials such as high-strength metals and composites are expanding the range of possible applications. For us, this means we can support customers even more effectively in all phases of product development, from the initial idea through to a production-ready part.

Further information on 3D Activation’s services is available on the company’s official website.