3D Printing Thriving in Italy as Formlabs & Sharebot Each Take on New Partners for Distribution

FormLabs Form 1+ SLA 3D printer

Italy is known for richness in so many things–from food and wine and passionate people to a history like no other in art, design, and lush creativity. So, it’s certainly no surprise that they have a fluid, thriving 3D printing industry. While many countries are famous for their art styles, it’s hard to think of an area more revered and respected for their artisans than Italy.

Contemporary technology, manufacturing, and marketing has superseded some of the noble heritage in today’s Italy though; in line with that, many Italian craftsman have upped their game lately, as well as embracing digital design and 3D printing for the modern miracle it is. As the industry grows, many startups have formed and made names for themselves as forerunners not only in Italy–but as worldwide favorites.

New processes, combined with a new way of doing business, are giving Italy’s artisans a new leg up in the marketplace, keeping the momentum charging forward with a constant influx of new and versatile materials, products, and innovations.

As excitement and progress continue to grow, partnerships are often forged in emerging industries like that of 3D printing. So is the case currently as both Formlabs and Sharebot make news as they each take on new partners in Italy.

The Formlabs Form 1+ SLA 3D printer is known for its popularity with engineers and designers due to its superior resolution and print quality. Now, Formlabs–as they make their way across Europe–is teaming up with 3DiTALY, giving the distributor the rights to sell the Form 1+ throughout their country, beginning with a preview in Naples on July 23^rd at their soon-to-be seventh 3DiTALY store at Via Tarsia, 14.

“After Formlabs opened its European office in Berlin earlier this year, it has begun to establish trade agreements in Germany and France,” Antonio Alliva, co-founder of 3DiTALY, told 3DPrint.com. “It has now landed in Italy, finding in 3DiTALY the best partner.”

Integrating SLA technology into their lineup should prove to be a boost for 3DiTALY, allowing them to offer more expanded options and potential for designing and prototyping to their targeted clientele of jewelers, medical professionals, artists, engineers, and more.

“Thanks to the Form1+ now Italian designers and professionals will have access to a laser desktop 3D printer at an affordable price with high quality standards,” Alliva told 3DPrint.com.

3DiTALY currently already has stores in Rome, Pescara, Ragusa, Milan, Turin, and Padua.

Also adding to their resources with a powerful new partnership on the Italian front is that between native Sharebot and Pico, with regards to sales of the popular Sharebot NG 3D printer.

Pico specializes in distributing IT solutions to companies of all sizes in Italy–from learning and public institutions to the more specialized and professional arena. Helping to broker the deal between the two companies was Esprinet, an entity responsible for supplying a large majority of consumer electronics to Italy–and one that sees the importance of this new partnership in bringing 3D printing to the masses.

According to an agreement just signed with Sharebot, they will now sell the Sharebot NG directly in their Pico stores. We recently reported on Sharebot as they’ve released two new unique new 3D printing materials— Nylforce 550 and Nylon-Carbon, meant to respectively offer durability to mechanical parts and be useful in functional products. Coupled with the Sharebot NG, which is capable of extruding a variety of materials, the Italian company has been responsible for providing its users with robust tools for users on all levels–along with offering both basic and advanced training courses.

Pico will be selective regarding which resellers have the Sharebot NGs available in their stores. A series of demos, presentations, and workshops will be given and organized regarding the 3D printer. A ‘demo unit program’ will also make demo 3D printers used onsite to be purchased at low prices as well as allowing the purchaser to take Sharebot courses and ‘discover the technology’s secrets.’

Pico offers one of its strongest points as being in the support and services arena, with technical support from Sharebot available, offering users help and tips on improving 3D prints and troubleshooting.

Sharebot currently has over 60 resellers in more than 10 European countries. The startup is comprised of a team sincerely dedicated to seeing world accessibility to 3D printing.