PLM Group, together with our partners HP and PostNord is hosting a full-day event on HP´s groundbreaking Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology in Stockholm on May 3rd 2022. Before the event, we caught up with PostNord Strålfors Head of 3D, Tomas Lundström, to tap his brain on the state of the Nordic 3D printing industry.
The MJF technology has proven to be one of the most important accelerators for production 3D printing, with the majority of the Nordic service bureaus having invested in at least one HP MJF printer in the past few years. At the same time, PostNord Strålfors and many other companies have made big strides into using 3D print technology for production. What is the current state of the industry in your opinion?
“We are seeing a rather quick growth with more companies applying the technology to their business.”
How far ahead are we compared to regions such as the US and the EU?
“If we look to the broader perspective of a general use of 3D printing, we are somewhat behind when it comes to applying additive manufacturing to a broad set of applications and usage areas.”
“One particular area would be the medical sector, but in a general term 3D printing in Sweden is not a common household discussion and still there are too many larger entities in Sweden that are easily amazed when they get briefed on the technology and it’s possibilities in comparison to let’s say US and other parts of EU.”
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What are the three main challenges for companies moving into production 3D printing?
“Firstly, knowledge on how to find the value in 3D printing and don’t compare apples and oranges. Secondly, engineering with the additive in mind when designing – there are so many opportunities to tap into once you understand the endless possibilities with different technologies within additive, and how to utilize them at it’s best for a large scale production. Thirdly, understanding the displacement of the cost within the future supply chain and the positive environmental impacts.
Together with HP, you are hosting a full day event on Multi Jet Fusion technology and design for 3D printing. Why is this event important?
“It’s important to attend if you are ready to start the journey to a more sustainable supply chain and to be able to reduce capital investment on high inventories. We will show you how to start and how other companies are doing it, while also giving you important information on the design process and how that will change everything.”
On a personal note – what are you hoping attendees will get during the day?
“I hope that everyone who attends will walk out from the event feeling like they just had a great realization and that they can seriously start their journey to a sustainable supply chain.”