Tallinn-based ADDform is the first 3D printing service bureau in the Baltic region, boasting an industrial 3D printing solution from HP for manufacturing plastic parts.
Tallinn-based ADDform is the first 3D printing service bureau in the Baltic region, boasting an industrial 3D printing solution from HP for manufacturing plastic parts. The company offers 3D printing as well as design and 3D scanning services. Company CEO, Jason Clark, is convinced 3D printing will make a big difference to manufacturing companies in the region.
“I have been in Estonia for over 20 years now, and I feel Estonia and the Baltics are ready for the next step in manufacturing excellence”, says Jason Clark. “Digital manufacturing is here and I want to be a part of bringing this to the Baltic States.”
From CUTform to ADDform
ADDform draws on the 30+ years of industry experience of Jason Clark. The last 20 years in Estonia. The co-founder and CTO, Lauri Kollo, has extensive experience from research in powder 3D printing at TalTech in Estonia, thereby completing Jason’s experience in management and traditional manufacturing.
The reasons behind the 3D printing growth in the Nordics – Download our report
In the 2010s, Clark started the metal manufacturing company CUTform, working with traditional manufacturing such as lasers, press brakes, robots, and CNC lathes.
“The name ADDform was created when Lauri and myself were trying to name the company. It is a bit strange but seems very close to CUTform. CUTform actually cut materials but ADDform ADDs only, CUTform and metal manufacturing creates material waste, but ADDform only adds the material it needs and creates zero waste.”
First HP MJF 4200 3D printer in Estonia
The latest investment, an HP MJF 4200, is the first of its kind in the Baltics. It is a powder-based 3D printer, capable of producing large batches in PA12 and other materials with extremely quick turn-around times.
“It is also up to ten times faster at half the cost compared to similar solutions on the market”, says Jason Clark. “The printer also allows us to gain control with advanced and custom print modes for a variety of properties. These can be mechanical, functional, or aesthetic.”
“Ultimately, the 4200 gives us functional parts with optimal mechanical properties from PA12 nylon. We can produce more parts per day with continuous printing and fast cooling. We also get a streamlined workflow with HP’s automated materials mixing and processing station, a much cleaner experience with enclosed processing station and materials not classified as hazardous.”
From 3D scanning to 3D printing
ADDform has a range of printing technologies from HP’s Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) Printing, to Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) from Dremel.
“By working with a variety of software platforms and file types we can convert and print with very short lead times”, says CEO and owner, Jason Clark.
”We can also reverse engineer your products using the latest scanning technology from Shining 3D Einscan. This technology also allows us to inspect for our clients with a high degree of accuracy and file reports for review.”
ARTICLE: Why HP’s 3D printing technology is a game-changer in manufacturing
A range of 3D printed applications
ADDform caters to a variety of applications and industries, made possible by the flexibility of the HP MJF 4200. Some of the applications that have so far been produced successfully are production tools, such as jigs and fixtures, robot grippers, and advanced prototypes. The region has several interesting industry verticals that benefit from 3D printing, such as automotive, electronics, oil & gas, marine & military, medical and spare parts.