At Formnext 2024, the “Leading Minds” consortium was introduced, bringing together key players in the 3D printing industry. Members such as Ansys, EOS, HP, Materialise, Nikon SLM, Renishaw, Stratasys, and TRUMPF have joined forces to advance the integration and scaling of 3D printing solutions in industrial settings. The consortium’s goal is to address the central challenges manufacturers face when adopting this technology and to develop concrete, scalable solutions.
The transition of 3D printing from a niche technology to a tool for mass production comes with numerous hurdles. A survey revealed that 98 percent of companies face difficulties in adopting 3D printing technologies. Common challenges include a lack of expertise, high costs, and the complexity of integrating the technology into existing processes. The consortium aims to tackle these barriers through cross-industry collaboration.
One of the consortium’s primary objectives is to establish a common language framework for the 3D printing industry. Disparate terms and definitions currently hinder collaboration and understanding of the technology. By creating a unified vocabulary, the consortium seeks to improve communication within the industry and facilitate the adoption and advancement of 3D printing.
The founding members emphasize that their collective expertise and collaboration are essential to making industrial 3D printing more accessible and scalable. In addition to streamlining communication, the consortium plans to develop initiatives that enhance production efficiency, reduce waste, and create more flexible supply chains.
By combining technological innovation with collaborative action, the consortium aims to drive a comprehensive transformation of the manufacturing landscape. With a focus on sustainability and adaptability, Leading Minds seeks to make industrial 3D printing a cornerstone of modern production. Interested companies are invited to join the consortium to help realize this vision.
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