The MetalFab 300 Flex, the only metal printer with a flexible build area, was launched at the RAPID+TCT exhibition in Los Angeles. This investment underscores K3D’s commitment to expanding its production capabilities while managing financial risk effectively and shows the innovation that Additive Industries brings to the industry by launching this new system.
K3D, a metal additive manufacturing (AM) service provider based in the Netherlands, was founded in 2014. As a subsidiary of the Royal Kaak (formerly the Kaak Group), a leading manufacturer of industrial bakery production lines, K3D has a rich history of innovation. In 2016, K3D became one of the first customers of Additive Industries, acquiring a MetalFab system to serve the food industry with specialized products that leverage the design freedom of metal AM.
As K3D continues to target a broad range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, tooling, energy (including Oil & Gas), and defense, the need to expand their production capacity has increased significantly. The investment in the MetalFab 300 Flex is a strategic move to accommodate this growth, particularly for stainless steel (316L) and titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) applications.
Key benefits of the MetalFab 300 Flex:
- Flexibility and scalability: The MetalFab 300 Flex offers the flexibility to handle a variety of application sizes without the initial capital expense and ongoing depreciation of a large-frame system.
- On-demand larger build plate access: This feature ensures that K3D can meet customer demands without having to turn away business or seek sub-contractors, thereby minimizing operational risks.
- Scalable expansion: The ability to permanently expand the scan field or add two additional lasers as business grows provides a way to manage financial risk during early-stage business development
Mark Massey, CEO of Additive Industries, commented: “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.”
Luuk Wissink, CEO of K3D, added: “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.”
(Source: Additive Industries)
