International event: 3D Delta Week, June 20-24, 2022

The first edition of the 3D Delta Week (3DDW) is quickly approaching (20 – 24 June), and the week’s content has taken on nice shape. Various events of different organisations and companies have already been registered to take place under the 3DDW-flag and there are still some more to add to the program.

The 3D Delta Week is a world’s first in the event and 3D Manufacturing sector: it is a cross-border multi-event week organised by major stakeholders in the local AM ecosystem. Three Benelux-based organisations have been forging a plan to release a 3D Manufacturing event to the world: a week of immersion in the world of 3D Manufacturing – on the crossroads of 3D printing, Model Based Definition, PLM, VR and 3D Software.

The advantage of this Benelux ecosystem initiative, is that visitors can learn, network and explore 3D Manufacturing faster and easier. As several events around 3D Manufacturing are brought together in one week, people can switch between the events of their interest.

Via the 3D Delta Week website, visitors can put together their own program; about a dozen activities have already been planned. The still growing program contains events on different topics, aimed at diverse target groups and purposes and hosted on various locations.

Strength in collaboration

Both Flanders and the Netherlands have a lot to offer in the field of 3D Manufacturing. The Unique Selling Proposition of the 3D Delta region, however, lies in collaboration. A philosophy that ambassador sponsors Materialise and Design8 have fully understood and want to promote. A week in which the sector unites and presents itself in all its facets will increase the global attention to the region.

Brainport Eindhoven, Flam3D and Jakajima, the founders of the 3D Delta Week, have been active, in a complementary way, in supporting the 3D Manufacturing sector for many years. There were already close collaborations between these organizations, and a next step forward seemed obvious: a week which brings together all those involved in 3D Manufacturing.

Purpose

The founders explain the origin of 3D Delta Week: “3D printing is still too unknown, according to various studies. The manufacturing industry does not always see how they can apply the technology to their advantage. This is partly due to the complexity and diversity of 3D printing. With over 25 different printing technologies, it is not immediately clear what you can use for which application.”.

“On the other hand, we can confidently say that the Benelux area (the Delta) is a top region in terms of 3D printing, with a lot of academic and applied research, a particularly high number of printers and numerous promising start-ups and enterprises”, adds Ruben Fokkema of Brainport Eindhoven. “On the user side, we see a multitude of application areas – all in all, a versatile and high-quality ecosystem. If we connect this more and give it a better podium, the Low Countries will be widely recognized as one of the leading 3D print regions”.

The goal of the 3D Delta Week, the international event week on 3D Manufacturing, is to contribute to the further development of 3D Manufacturing, to become more competitive as an economic region.

To the organisers, the final objective is clear: “3D Delta Week will be the annual meeting point for everyone involved in 3D Manufacturing, whether inside or outside the Benelux Delta. We are going to create value for users and providers”.

Further details on the program

You can attend events with general and informative information about 3D printing, such as the Open House at Landré with information about 3D printing techniques and materials and a tour or demo at their showroom. However, also events focusing on more in-depth and specialist 3D printing know-how will take place. You will find this for example at events like the Materialise VIP Day with workshops delivered by industry experts in manufacturing and software for data and build preparation. Additionally, many events, conferences and master classes on specific 3D printing topics are being organised. For example, for answers to questions about 3D printing for the medical sector, you can attend the masterclass “Scalable production for high volume am-applications for health” by Brainport Eindhoven. Or perhaps you are more interested in the potential of AM for the environment? Then the Additive Manufacturing Climate Action Conference (AMCA conference) is for you.

There is also plenty of opportunity for networking and gaining an overview of the AM field. At events like the 3D Delta Networking Dinner or RapidPro, you will be able to connect with important stakeholders within the domain. Another great example is Flam3D’s Additive Manufacturing R&D Day: an event focused on R&D on AM aimed at building new synergies, capitalising on each other’s expertise and findings, and matchmaking.

However, maybe you are looking for more diverse new or emerging techniques within the manufacturing industry? 3DDW has got you covered as well! From 22-23 June, 3DDW will not only put the spotlight on 3D printing, but on 3D Manufacturing in general! Events such as Virtual (R)evolution, the Smart Maintenance Congress and the Model Based Definition event, recently united under the name 3D Production Days, will give you an overview of industrial applications, specific solutions, and innovative techniques within the manufacturing industry.

In addition, several other events will join the event week as well. For instance, the events of 3D Makers Zone, Binder3D and Weber Beamix will be added to the program soon.