The 3D Printing Association, which is the global trade association for the 3D printing industry, is member-funded and represents everyone from designers to manufacturers and retailers. Its members benefit from the organization’s support in ways that include seed capital for new ventures, discounts to conferences and other events, and invitations to speak at some of the major events in the industry. Their newest member is Canon’s European subsidiary, whose reach extends into 116 countries as the European sales and marketing branch for the global corporation.
“By joining the association,” said 3DPA membership director Ian Ferguson, “Canon Europe demonstrates its commitment to the industry and we look forward to working with them and all our members to improve understanding of the technology, help with awareness and education and influence the regulatory environment.”
Not only has the company accepted membership, but they have already placed one of their employees on the advisory board. Christopher Blake, 3D printing sales and marketing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), will join the European board. Blake’s admittance to the board is still in the process, but is nearing completion and is expected to be officially announced next month.
Canon has been around since 1937, and chances are that just about everyone reading this has used their products in some form or another. I have an ancient Canon camera that still works as well as it did on the day I bought it, which gives me confidence that their 3D printers, once they are finally released, should be high quality. Their membership to 3DPA shows that they’re serious about becoming a major player in the 3D printing industry, and 3DPA’s acceptance of Blake as a board member shows that the industry is serious about Canon as well.
Let’s hear your thoughts on 3DPA’s latest member in the Canon 3DPA forum thread on 3DPB.com.