From 3D-printed boat hulls and aerospace parts to printed electronics and new applications of cold spray. On Thursday, September 24, Drachten will be dedicated to the latest developments in 3D printing and additive manufacturing. The 3D Print Compass 2030 -project will then organize its first Learning Community Day in the SKILL building on the Philips site in Drachten.
The 3DPK 2030 project team has now been underway for a year. Therefore, this is a great time to share knowledge, experiences, and the latest developments in the field of polymer, electronics, and metal printing with a broader audience.
3D printing increasingly important for the manufacturing industry
3D printing has become indispensable as a manufacturing process for producing parts within various supply chains. The technology is developing further toward mature industrial applications.
During the Learning Community Day, therefore, the technology itself is not the sole focus. Rather, the practical application within companies, production processes, and various materials receives plenty of attention.
The afternoon begins with a plenary program. Marije de Vries and Marieke de Boer by IMPACD from Woudsend talk about 3D printing boat hulls. Then takes Rien Geerts by Bedrock3D from Emmen the visitors along in the latest developments in the field of polymer filaments.
From magnesium and cold spray to printed electronics
After the plenary session, visitors can attend various presentations by project participants in smaller groups. Thus, the afternoon offers a broad overview of developments within additive manufacturing.
NLR covers, among other things, the printing of magnesium alloys and other aerospace applications. Titomic presents the latest developments in cold spray for manufacturing, service, and maintenance.
Additionally, it shows Binder3D seeing how work is being done on a 3D production line for parts that come into contact with the mouth and skin. ASTRON focuses, among other things, on printing electronics, applications for LOFAR antennas, and cold spraying on polymers.
Other materials and production techniques are also covered. Proper, for example, is working on the development of a PEEK printer and a TPU printer for rubber-like materials. The University of Groningen (RUG) shares knowledge about optomechanical components using 3D metal printing technology.
Finally goes NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences in on thermomechanical simulation models for large-format 3D printing processes.
Sharing knowledge within the 3D printing community
The first Learning Community day is organized by the 3DPK 2030 project together with FME and Royal Metaalunie.
For the public section, approximately 50 to 60 visitors are expected from, among others, ICD, FME, Koninklijke Metaalunie, and EDIH North Netherlands. In addition, members of IAMM, another national 3D collective, invited to join.
By bringing together companies, engineers, knowledge institutions, and other specialists in particular, room is created to exchange experiences and learn from each other's developments.
Register for the Learning Day in Drachten
Are you active in the manufacturing industry, engineering, or additive manufacturing? Or do you want to know more about the latest possibilities of polymer, electronics, and metal printing? Then you are very welcome at the first Learning Community day of 3DPK 2030.
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: SKILL building and AH hall, Oliemolenstraat 5, Drachten (Philips site)
Afterwards, there is an opportunity to continue chatting and exchange experiences while enjoying a snack and a drink.
You can register via office@icdrachten.nl. After registration, you will receive a confirmation and information about the route to the location.
We look forward to seeing you on September 24th in Drachten!
3DPK is co-financed by the EU, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, and SNN.
