Interview with 3Ddrucken24: The Role of Engineering Support in Automated 3D Printing Processes

3Ddrucken24 is a German additive manufacturing service provider focused on industrial and commercial users. Founded in 2015 as a brand of TinkerToys GmbH, the company has consistently aligned its offering with the requirements of professional applications. While early 3D printing services were often characterized by manual quoting and coordination, the service provider today relies on standardized and scalable workflows.

The technology portfolio includes FDM/FFF processes for functional polymer parts, SLS for mechanically robust components, and binder jetting–based processes. These manufacturing services are complemented by engineering and development support, such as data preparation and the adaptation of existing CAD models to the specific requirements of additive manufacturing. The aim is to identify and avoid typical issues, such as unsuitable wall thicknesses or tolerances, at an early stage.

The offering is based on a fully digitally supported process structure: CAD files can be uploaded online, automatically checked and priced, and manufactured in a reproducible manner. The focus is less on one-off parts and more on stable processes for small- and mid-volume series production. In this way, 3Ddrucken24 positions itself at the intersection of digital ordering convenience and the demands of industrial manufacturing, where process reliability, material properties, and dimensional accuracy are key.

Interview with 3Ddrucken24

In the interview with 3Druck.com, 3Ddrucken24 discusses its transition from an early-stage 3D printing service provider to more automated, industrial-grade processes and places these changes within the broader maturation of additive manufacturing. At the same time, the company shares its observations on market requirements, customer expectations, and technological trends, offering an outlook on how additive manufacturing may continue to establish itself as a production tool.

Looking back at the early days: Which technical or business decisions had the greatest impact on your ability to scale from pure prototyping to reliable small- and mid-series production—and what would you do differently today?

Since the launch of 3Ddrucken24 in 2015 as a brand of TinkerToys GmbH, the market has changed fundamentally. Our path led from the highly labor-intensive manual handling of individual inquiries to the fully automated price comparisons and digital ordering processes that are expected today. Initially, our goal was to make professional 3D printing broadly accessible to private customers as well. A prominent example from that period is our cooperation with Fairphone and the former platform 3D Hubs, where we produced smartphone cases locally for end consumers. However, market dynamics in consumer devices have shifted significantly, meaning this specific business segment plays virtually no role today. Instead, machine capacity and reliability have improved to the point where we can now operate a largely automated process chain focused on dependable service and scalability.

Your service portfolio includes FDM/FFF, SLS, and binder jetting–based processes—what recurring design or material mistakes do you observe even among experienced engineers, and how do you help your customers systematically avoid them?

As a result of automating the ordering process, we observe a double-edged phenomenon: on the one hand, our instant-quote tool enables extremely fast procurement; on the other hand, this “self-service” often leads to essential manufacturing guidelines being overlooked or ignored. Even experienced engineers from traditional mechanical engineering backgrounds frequently fall into the trap of applying injection molding or CNC machining design rules directly to 3D printing. A classic example is insufficient wall thicknesses or gaps in moving assemblies, which may fuse in FDM printing while working in SLS—or vice versa. Procurement departments also often order purely based on price without assessing the technical suitability of the file. We address this through detailed datasheets and design guides on 3Ddrucken24.de. Since these are often not consulted, we additionally offer targeted engineering support for critical projects. In doing so, we not only repair datasets but also help customers think “additive-first” to avoid failed prints from the outset.

From your perspective, how has the German and European market for industrial 3D printing changed over the past five years in terms of customer expectations, certification requirements, and cost pressure—and which trends are most often underestimated?

The market has become significantly more mature, but also more demanding. One notable trend is the gap between expectations shaped by the consumer segment and industrial reality. YouTube tutorials and low-cost home machines have led many customers to develop a fixed idea of how “simple and cheap” 3D printing should be. When it comes to industrial dimensional accuracy, reproducible mechanical properties, or certified materials, the effort behind a professional service is often underestimated. At the same time, formal requirements are increasing: B2B customers are increasingly demanding process reliability that goes beyond simply “printing a part.” To meet these requirements for quality assurance and documentation, we are currently planning appropriate process certifications. The clear trend is away from the “maker” image toward a fully fledged manufacturing alternative that must integrate seamlessly into existing supply chains and quality management systems.

Which developments in materials, automation, or digital workflows will most strongly impact providers of industrial 3D printing services over the next three to five years, and how is 3Ddrucken24 preparing to remain competitive?

We see clear market saturation in basic FDM printing, where price competition is intense. The future therefore lies not only in the machine itself, but in fully automating the entire process chain—from file upload and nesting to post-processing. Providers with excessive manual effort will struggle to remain competitive in the long term.

For 3Ddrucken24, this means focusing on differentiators that home users or pure price competitors cannot offer. These include technical specialty materials, such as carbon fiber–reinforced filaments and technical powder materials, as well as reliability in series production. We are making targeted investments in digital workflows that provide customers with the convenience of online shopping while ensuring the quality standards of industrial manufacturing in the background.

Further information about the company can be found on the 3Ddrucken24 website.