Assembrix, an Israel-based software company, provides a cloud-native platform designed to virtualize and manage industrial additive manufacturing processes across distributed environments. Its solution, known as Virtual Manufacturing Space (VMS), connects manufacturers, suppliers, and OEMs in a centralized digital environment while enabling decentralized 3D printing workflows across global production sites.
VMS allows users to upload CAD models into a secure digital inventory, configure build parameters, and allocate jobs to remote machines based on material requirements, availability, or geographic considerations. This cloud-based coordination streamlines production scheduling and supports efficient use of additive manufacturing capacity across multiple facilities.
The platform also includes real-time monitoring capabilities, capturing machine-level data such as print speed, temperature, and humidity to verify compliance with specified tolerances. Quality assurance is maintained throughout the process, with automated checks and in-situ analytics integrated into the workflow.
To address security and IP protection, VMS employs encrypted data transfer, controlled machine access, and blockchain-backed audit trails. Each step in the manufacturing process is documented and traceable, providing transparency and safeguarding proprietary designs.
Assembrix collaborates with industry players such as EOS, SLM Solutions, and Boeing to ensure compatibility with standard metal and polymer 3D printers. Delivered as a SaaS solution, VMS offers industrial users a scalable way to manage additive manufacturing securely and efficiently—without requiring additional investment in hardware or local IT infrastructure.
Interview with Lior Polak
In an interview with 3Druck.com, Lior Polak, CEO and co-founder of Assembrix, shares insights into the evolving role of software in industrial 3D printing. He discusses current challenges, emerging trends, and how digital tools are shaping the future of additive manufacturing—from secure distributed production to the integration of AI and automation.
From your perspective, what have been the most significant changes in additive manufacturing software over the past decade — and how have these changes influenced the industrial adoption of 3D printing?
Over the past decade, additive manufacturing (AM) software has evolved from basic prototyping tools into comprehensive platforms enabling production-grade workflows. Key changes include:
Assembrix CEO Lior Polak
Integrated Workflows: Early AM software required separate tools for design, simulation, slicing, and machine control, leading to inefficiencies. Modern platforms integrate these functions, streamlining processes.
Advanced Simulation and Optimization: New tools incorporate finite element analysis (FEA) and topology optimization, enabling complex, lightweight designs. These capabilities have driven AM use in aerospace (e.g., GE’s 3D-printed fuel nozzles) and automotive (custom tooling), cutting costs and lead times.
AI and Machine Learning: AI-driven tools optimize print parameters, detect defects, and enhance path planning. Machine learning improves surface quality and supports multi-axis printing, increasing reliability for end-use parts in healthcare (e.g., implants) and automotive (e.g., spare parts).
Cloud-Based Platforms: Cloud solutions enable real-time monitoring and distributed production, making AM accessible to SMEs and broadening industrial adoption.
Interoperability and Standards: Support for formats like AMF and 3MF, alongside ASTM standards, ensures compatibility across AM ecosystems. This has simplified integration, encouraging adoption across diverse industries.
Influence on Industrial Adoption: These advancements have made AM a viable production method. By enabling cost-effective, high-quality production of complex parts, software has spurred AM’s use in aerospace, healthcare, and automotive, aligning with Industry 4.0’s digitalization goals.
What are some typical challenges your customers encounter in additive manufacturing workflows — and how can software solutions help address them?
AM workflows present several challenges as customers scale to production. Software solutions address these effectively:
Fragmented Workflows Disconnected tools for design, simulation, and printing cause errors. Solution: Integrated platforms automate data transfer, reducing manual steps.
Design for AM (DfAM) Complexity Traditional CAD struggles with AM-specific designs like lattices. Solution: The latest tools offer generative design and topology optimization for AM-ready parts.
Quality and Repeatability Variations in layer adhesion or distortion affect part quality. Solution: AI-powered monitoring tools like EOS’s EOSTATE and simulation software predict and mitigate issues, ensuring consistency.
Skill Gaps Lack of AM expertise slows adoption. Solution: User-friendly software tools and online training lower the learning curve.
Post-Processing Support removal and finishing are time-intensive. Solution: Software optimizes support structures, and AI tools predict finishing parameters to streamline processes.
These solutions enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality, making AM more practical for industrial use.
Why are data security and intellectual property protection important in additive manufacturing — and how can technology support these needs in a distributed production environment?
AM relies on digital design files, making them vulnerable to theft, unauthorized replication, or sabotage in distributed production. IP theft risks are high in industries like aerospace and medical, where designs are proprietary. A 2021 ASTM–Auburn University survey noted that most AM users lack robust cybersecurity strategies, increasing the risk of counterfeiting, competitive loss, or compromised part safety.
Technological Support in Distributed Production:
Assembrix Capabilities: Assembrix’s cloud-based platform addresses cybersecurity concerns by providing secure, controlled AM workflows. It uses encryption and digital rights management (DRM) to protect design files, ensuring only authorized machines and users can access or print them. For example, Assembrix demonstrated secure cross-continent production by connecting build jobs to EOS machines, preventing unauthorized access. Its real-time monitoring and blockchain integration ensure traceability and auditability, safeguarding IP across distributed networks.
Blockchain Technology: Beyond Assembrix, blockchain creates immutable ledgers to verify file authenticity and control access.
Encryption and Secure Transfer: Advanced encryption protects files during transfer. Assembrix’s secure protocols ensure data integrity between design and printing stages, reducing IP theft risks.
Standardized Frameworks: Emerging NIST and ISO standards address AM-specific cybersecurity needs. Assembrix aligns with these by offering secure data labeling and authentication, enhancing trust in distributed production.
Zero Trust Architecture: Assembrix’s platform incorporates zero trust principles, verifying every access request to prevent breaches in cloud-based workflows.
Assembrix’s capabilities, combined with broader technologies, enable secure decentralized production, protecting IP while leveraging AM’s on-demand potential.
What major trends do you foresee shaping the future of additive manufacturing — especially with regard to cybersecurity, distributed manufacturing, and the growing role of AI across the AM workflow?
AM’s future will be driven by cybersecurity, distributed manufacturing, and AI, aligning with Industry 4.0. Key trends include:
-CYBERSECURITY ENHANCEMENTS:
Blockchain Expansion: Blockchain will standardize IP protection and traceability. Assembrix’s blockchain integration will ensure secure, auditable workflows, critical for defense and aerospace.
AM-Specific Standards: ASTM and ISO will formalize cybersecurity guidelines, addressing data and supply chain security. Assembrix’s compliance with these standards will enhance its role in secure AM.
AI Threat Detection: AI will monitor for unauthorized access or file tampering, complementing Assembrix’s real-time security features.
-DISTRIBUTED MANUFACTURING:
Digital Inventories: Storing CAD models for on-demand printing will cut warehousing costs, as already seen in oil and gas.
Localized Production: Large-scale AM (e.g., construction printers) will enable regional manufacturing, reducing logistics. Assembrix’s VMS supports this by securely managing distributed print jobs.
Standardized Ecosystems: OEM and software vendor collaboration will ensure consistent quality across sites, with Assembrix facilitating secure data exchange.
-GROWING ROLE OF AI:
Process Optimization: AI will fine-tune print parameters, reducing defects. Assembrix’s platform has begun integrating AI tools to enhance job optimization.
Predictive Maintenance: AI will minimize downtime by predicting machine failures.
Generative Design: AI-driven tools will create optimized parts, with Assembrix ensuring secure file handling.
Multi-Material Printing: Combining metals and polymers will expand applications.
Sustainability: Recyclable materials and efficient processes will align with environmental goals.
Bioprinting and 4D Printing: These will revolutionize healthcare and smart manufacturing.
Assembrix’s cybersecurity solutions will build trust in distributed networks, while AI and automation enhance efficiency. Distributed manufacturing, supported by platforms like Assembrix’s, will reshape supply chains, making AM a cornerstone of resilient production.
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