AMS 2025

Additive Industries Gets Launch Customer for MetalFab Flex 3D Printer

RAPID

Share this Article

Additive Industries has secured a launch customer for its MetalFab 300 Flex 3D printer. Netherlands-based K3D will purchase two of these systems. K3D, a 3D printing service provider, has been in operation for 11 years and has produced over 250,000 parts for customers. The company also utilizes a Meltio DED machine and Additive Industries’ powder bed fusion systems.

K3D is a subsidiary of Royal Kaak, a leading vendor of industrial bakery production lines and an early customer of Additive Industries. Royal Kaak adopted 3D printing to upgrade and customize its production lines, using powder bed fusion for various cutting-edge components. From porous dough cutters to other essential parts, the company was so captivated by additive manufacturing that they decided to start their own service.

Kaak’s adoption of Additive Industries was a real eye-opener for me in terms of what powder bed fusion could achieve for high-end machine builders. At the time, I didn’t think the costs would make sense. However, even a small process optimization can significantly impact customer yield, and a few custom parts can help meet requirements that others cannot, potentially securing a major contract. Our 3D-printed parts may be expensive, but their impact on high-end machinery can far exceed their cost. By maximizing build volumes, Kaak and its subsidiary K3D demonstrated that not only were these possibilities real, but they were also cost-effective and potentially lucrative.

Now, K3D will purchase two systems to serve the industrial, automotive, aerospace, energy, and defense markets. The primary materials they will use are 316L and Ti64. The company appreciates the flexible build plate option, believing it will be cost-effective for their operations. With the Flex, they can change the build plate and temporarily expand the build volume for an additional cost. They also hope this flexibility will allow them to start with a less expensive system and gradually scale up as needed.

¨We are delighted to partner with K3D as our launch customer for the MetalFab 300 Flex. Their decision to invest in our latest system highlights their confidence in our technology and their forward thinking approach to business growth. The flexibility and scalability of the MetalFab 300 Flex will support K3D in meeting their expanding production demands while managing financial risk effectively,” said Additive Industries CEO Mark Massey.

¨We are very pleased to be the launching customer for the MetalFab 300 Flex. This new business model approach from Additive Industries enables us to invest our capital in smaller increments, reducing our financial, commercial, and operational risks. The ability to expand our capacity and manage our footprint as our business grows is crucial, and the MetalFab 300 Flex provides the perfect solution,” stated K3D CEO Luuk Wissink.

I’m still skeptical about the Flex. What I’d really like to see from European and American metal powder bed fusion companies are low-cost, easy-to-master machines in the $100,000 to $200,000 range. Systems like those from Xact Metal and One Click Metal would have a significantly larger potential market. Only a limited number of companies can invest in larger systems, even if they are flexible. However, by reducing site requirements and hazards, implementing powder bed fusion could become much less cumbersome and expensive. If the machines are also very affordable, we could potentially have tens of thousands of customers who could buy and effectively use such systems. To me, that would be a way to significantly expand our market. It could also be a path for a challenger in the industry to grow into one of the biggest firms.

Share this Article


Recent News

3D Printing Webinar and Event Roundup: February 9, 2025

3D Printing News Briefs, February 8, 2025: Partnership, Post-Processing, & More



Categories

3D Design

3D Printed Art

3D Printed Food

3D Printed Guns


You May Also Like

Sponsored

MX – Machining Transformation: Revolutionizing Manufacturing with Additive Technologies

The machining industry is experiencing a profound transformation, propelled by four key trends: Process Integration, Automation, Digital Transformation (DX), and Green Transformation (GX). Central to this evolution are Additive Manufacturing...

Sponsored

The Role of Multiplatform Solutions in Advancing Industrial Large Format 3D Printing

The past tumultuous year in the additive manufacturing industry have led to highs and lows for several companies. The magic recipe that continues to appear to lead to continuous growth...

3D Printing News Briefs, January 25, 2025: ESG & Sustainability, Layoffs, Furniture, & More

We’re starting off with some event news in today’s 3D Printing News Briefs, as AMUG has announced the keynote speakers for its 2025 conference, and Dyndrite starts its World Tour...

Sponsored

Investing in Tooling Innovation is Key to Reshoring Success

Outsourcing and retirement have dramatically shrunk the manufacturing workforce in the U.S., creating a challenge to efforts at reshoring production production. Pictured here is a toolmaker assembling an injection mold,...