Port of Rotterdam to Set Up Additive Manufacturing Fieldlab for Metal 3D Printing

RDM Rotterdam, the innovation showcase of the Rotterdam port area, will be setting up its own Additive Manufacturing Fieldlab, a metal 3D printing centre for the development of knowledge in the area of 3D printing, 3D scanning, 3D design and certification.

The Fieldlab, to be located in the Innovation Dock at RDM Rotterdam, will provide port-related companies with a location to accelerate developments in the area of 3D technology and collaborate on applications for the maritime industry.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority undertook the initiative to set up the Fieldlab, while InnovationQuarter and RDM Makerspace are key partners in its development. Last year these three parties jointly initiated a pilot project for the 3D printing of spare parts for the maritime industry.

Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority: “3D printing is promising, but also complex. Developments are appearing in rapid succession. There are few companies with sufficient expertise and resources to start working with 3D metal printing on their own. This is why we are taking the initiative to create a Fieldlab that companies and knowledge institutes can join. The first 3D printer is to be commissioned here in the second half of this year. The Fieldlab is a logical follow-up to the pilot project initiated last year to manufacture spare parts for ships using 3D print technologies. Rotterdam wants to be the world’s smartest port and a leader in the application of this kind of innovation. That is good for the business community and good for employment.”

The investment in the Fieldlab in Rotterdam amounts to several million euros. The eventual size of Fieldlab will depend on the participation of companies and institutions. Currently, fifteen companies have signed a declaration of intent for participation in the Fieldlab. The intent is for Fieldlab to be operational in the second half of the year.