Czech software company Sensio specialises in information systems, mainly for primary art schools and the B2B sector. In 2020, the team expanded into 3D printing with the unique project called ‘MyCello‘, a 3D printed cello that has received international attention and numerous awards. Taking advantage of advances in 3D printing technology, Sensio is currently developing a second generation of MyCello with improved features. In an interview with 3Druck.com, Managing Director Jan Tobolík, shares his insight into the 3D printing industry and reveals how a global crisis paved the way for a success story.
What started as a ‘crazy’ idea has, in four years, become a highly acclaimed development and production business with international reach. Their efforts have been widely recognised with numerous awards, including the title of Most Creative Startup of 2022 and Company of the Year.
At present, MyCello enjoys worldwide popularity, with established representation in South America and plans for expansion into Japan and the USA. The team is close to completing the development of the second generation of MyCello, called MyCello Premium, which offers significantly improved parameters compared to the original MyCello Basic. This success is also supported by the rapid development of 3D printers, which greatly facilitates the development of the instrument itself.
Interview with Jan Tobolík
In an interview with 3Druck.com, managing director Jan Tobolík explains why the continued development of 3D printers is crucial to being able to respond quickly and effectively to customer demand, and tells the story of how a global crisis laid the foundations for a success story.
In your opinion, what significance does additive manufacturing have for companies using your service?
Jan Tobolík, Image: Sensio
Additive manufacturing provides our customers with unique flexibility in responding to market changes and in their own products. It allows them to quickly implement any changes, with only minor adjustments in design data, leading to rapid prototyping and production with updated specifications. This approach maximises efficiency and minimises the time and costs associated with traditional manufacturing processes.
A prime example of this approach is our recent project: the development of a 3D printed electric guitar. This ambitious project is the culmination of our efforts to overcome the limitations of hobby projects and standard 3D printed guitars. Our focus on design accuracy and similarity to existing models allows customers to own identical replicas of their favourite design pieces, thereby expanding the possibilities of additive manufacturing into new, exciting areas.
Additive manufacturing has continuously developed in recent years. Which innovations or technological breakthroughs do you consider to be particularly important as a service provider?
Our work on projects such as the 3D printed electric guitar highlights the importance of innovations in the field of 3D printing. The transition from hobby projects to fully functional, design-accurate replicas of traditional instruments requires continuous development in 3D printing technologies, materials, and modelling software. These innovations not only expand the boundaries of what can be created with 3D printing but also provide our customers with new opportunities for personalisation and innovation in their product lines.
The ongoing development of 3D printers is a key factor influencing our ability to respond quickly and efficiently to customer needs. Innovations such as multi-head printers and printers with filament cartridges enabling multicolour printing or printing from different materials are crucial.
These technologies allow us to print parts combined from different materials, such as PETG and PCCF, significantly simplifying the production process by eliminating the need for time-consuming post-processing, such as gluing and other finishing work. This efficiency and flexibility not only enhance the quality and functionality of the final product but also shorten the time required to transform an idea into a finished product, giving us a significant competitive advantage.
First Corona and now high inflation pose major challenges for the entire industry. In your opinion, how do the multiple crises affect the additive manufacturing industry?
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for many companies, but for us, it also became an impulse for innovation and expansion of our business into the 3D printing area. Inspired by Josef Průša’s story, who distributed 3D printed face shields at the start of the pandemic in Czechia, we purchased our first 3D printer, MK3S, from his company. Although it arrived after the first wave of the pandemic had ended, our interest in 3D printing only deepened during that time, leading us to discover the possibility of printing musical instruments. This discovery was key for us as one of our employees, Ondřej, a cellist, was looking for a way to play at home without disturbing neighbours, which ultimately inspired us to develop the MyCello project.
Our journey into the world of 3D printing shows that even in times of crisis, companies can find opportunities to develop new business areas and innovations. This adaptability and ability to respond to changing situations not only kept us afloat during challenging periods but also opened the door to new market opportunities and the expansion of our service portfolio.
What impact do you think additive manufacturing will have on various industries and possibly society as a whole in the coming years?
When I think about what the future of 3D printing will bring, I’m not just sure about the role automation and more efficient material use will play. I already see that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) could take the entire process even further. Imagine AI not only helping to optimize designs for 3D printing in terms of material efficiency and structural integrity but also being able to predict and address potential production issues before they arise. Automation of post-processing, where AI manages finishing work with minimal human intervention, could significantly speed up the entire production process and reduce costs.
On the other hand, the decentralization of production and the shortening of supply chains due to the ability to print on demand close to the end user opens the door to much more resilient and sustainable manufacturing. With the help of AI, we could efficiently manage the distribution of digital inventories and automatically assign manufacturing orders to the most suitable production partners based on location, capacity, and capabilities. This would not only simplify logistics but also help reduce CO₂ emissions by manufacturing parts where they are actually needed. Overall, the integration of artificial intelligence into 3D printing promises not only to streamline production but also to support a more sustainable industry with a smaller impact on our environment.
