The Netherlands’ Queen Máxima Flanked by 3D Printed Screens on U.S. Visit
Recently on her trip to the USA, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands was accompanied by many things. Most of them were bodyguards, but a few companions were actually 3D printed. The Dutch Consulate commissioned Dutch 3D printing design firm Aectual, known for its sustainable manufacturing, to produce backdrops for her U.S. tour. With the perfect blend of subtlety and pop, the 3D printed room partitions actually tell the stories of the Dutch-U.S. relationship, innovation, and tech, and caught the eyes of onlookers everywhere.
The Netherlands have been among the most progressive countries when moving towards clean energy, and have already begun transitioning to a low-carbon energy system. The nation even has plans to become 100 percent electric by 2050, so it’s no surprise that the Dutch wanted to practice what they preach, right down to the partitions for Queen Máxima.
Queen Máxima speaking at an event in California in from of an Aectual screen. The screens are derived from recycled plant-based plastic.
Aecutal ended up being the perfect match, as the company is not only from the Netherlands, but also prioritizes circular manufacturing. The company first began as a spin off from The 3D Print Canal House, 3D printing floors, walls and molds for concrete elements, and ultimately finding a niche printing interior decorating pieces. It has been featured in Milan Design Week with its Drink Carton Collection, and has steadily grown since that exposure. Now, Aectual is attracting some big names like fashion icon, Hermès, and Netherland’s Queen Máxima to bring sustainable manufacturing to the forefront.
An Aectual Backdrop behind Queen Máxima
For the Queen’s screens, Aectual used old plastic from a 2016 EU convention and its new Freeline system to construct the pieces. The elements were simple to make and directly converted the Queen’s pencil sketches into a 3D printed panel. There are a few limitations the Queen had to adhere to, but for the most part, she could design any composition she liked. Individual panels ranged in sizes but were combined to form the larger configurations. The tube’s hollow shape also saves on weight and material.
An Aectual Panel Printed using Freeline Technology
Not wanting to let anything go to waste, Aectual already has plans to chop up these commissions and reuse the material to make more products in the future. This is a part of the firm’s effort to continue making its fully circular construction method faster and more affordable. We will surely continue see its products decorating the entrances of hotel lobbies and offices, or telling stories as a backdrop at a convention.
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
Print Services
Upload your 3D Models and get them printed quickly and efficiently.
You May Also Like
BLT Touts 100,000 Copper Parts Made
With the significant volume of copper used in electronics, semiconductors, aerospace, defense, and beyond, copper additive has had immense promise from the early days of copper 3D printing at Beamit...
3D Printing News Briefs, March 28, 2026: TCT Asia, Distribution Agreement, FDA Clearance
We’re starting 3D Printing News Briefs this weekend with some news out of TCT Asia, and then moving on to a metal AM distribution agreement between MULTISTATION and WAAM3D. We’ll...
3D Printing Moves Deeper Into Production as Parts Near $110B by 2034
A new report takes a closer look at how much 3D printing is actually being used in real production. The numbers point to a market that is already growing at...
AM Applications Expected to Reach $110B in 2034, New Report Finds
Additive manufacturing may still be a relatively young industry, but the number of real parts being produced with 3D printing is growing quickly. According to a new report from Additive...
