3D printing offers businesses a way to establish more sustainable supply chains and reduce the costs associated with operational inefficiency, by enabling decentralization of manufacturing and production on-demand. The technology is also known for its ability to enable new business models such as mass production of customized products, and bring innovation to market in record time.
However, business leaders frequently cite one barrier against the widespread adoption of 3D printing: the lack of know-how. Materialise conducted a survey last year which illustrated that nearly 50% of manufacturers expect the use of 3D printing to double in the next 5 years, but 41% see the lack of expertise as a major hurdle.
As companies begin to resume their operations after lockdowns lift, rising financial pressures are likely to render businesses more sensitive to investment risks. Bart Van Der Schueren, Chief Technology Officer at Materialise, notes, “3D printing offers unique opportunities for businesses looking to gain or maintain a competitive edge, while keeping investment risk low. It is critical, however, to tap into a source that is both knowledgeable and unbiased.
3D printing covers a range of technologies which are each ideally suited to varying applications, and neutrality is key in ensuring that the right technologies are chosen in each context.”
Materialise is a pioneer in 3D printing and home to some of the 3D printing industry’s most experienced veterans, who have been the driving force in several of the industry’s most successful technological developments, applications and innovations since 1990. Mindware brings businesses in direct contact with Materialise’s experts and their insights, building a substantial foundation of knowledge to build their 3D printing strategy upon.
“We have spent the past three decades working out how to make 3D printing efficient, reliable, meaningful, and scalable. Now, we’re sharing our know-how and capabilities to assist businesses. Hardware and software are critical ingredients, but nothing substitutes the right know-how. Unbiased advisory is in the Materialise DNA, and I believe where we can really make a difference for our customers is with Mindware.”
- Bart Van Der Schueren, Materialise CTO
Mindware is managed by a dedicated team of business strategists at Materialise, and supported by a wide network of experts throughout the 2000-employee company. Clients receive customized insights from specialists in disciplines ranging from R&D, to design and engineering, to process engineering, as well as specialists dedicated to verticals such as the medical and aerospace industries. Mindware can help companies with exploring or developing applications for 3D printing as well as defining strategy, qualify manufacturing processes.
