A Look Back at the SUSTAIN-3D Workshop: Two Days Full of Innovations and Collaborations

The European SUSTAIN-3D project, funded by the Interreg North Sea program, recently held its final workshop in the Netherlands, hosted by our partner FME. This landmark event brought together key players in the 3D printing sector for two days of fruitful discussions and inspiring presentations on services related to additive manufacturing (networks, lobbies, communities, etc.). 
A look back at the highlights of this workshop.

Day 1: Exploration and discussions with 3D Maker Zone and the European Space Agency (ESA)

The first day featured a particularly inspiring visit to 3D Maker Zone (3DMZ). This innovative lab, born from a private initiative in partnership with local businesses, stands out for its unique model focused on large-scale 3D printing in the construction sector. The site also hosts a project incubator and innovation-focused luncheons. Participants had the opportunity to discuss 3DMZ’s model and the challenges they face with the company’s leaders.

Subsequently, a video conference was held to invite several companies from France, Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands to join the discussions. These companies—whether providers of 3D printing solutions or end-users of the technology—shared a common desire to share their experiences with 3D printing and to collaborate more effectively at the European level. These fruitful exchanges enabled the Sustain-3D partners to shape their action plan for disseminating this technology. The day concluded with a fascinating presentation by the European Space Agency (ESA) on their 3D printing program for space, opening up new prospects for the future.

Day 2: Brainstorming and Action Plan

The second day was devoted to in-depth discussions and a brainstorming session among the consortium partners. The participants analyzed the additive manufacturing services available in their respective countries, sharing insights and ideas on best practices that each could adopt.

One of the key sessions focused on drafting a joint action plan to implement these new service ideas in the coming months. The discussions were fruitful and laid the groundwork for stronger collaboration.

An Action Plan for a Sustainable Future

1. Continue to build and maintain the Sustain-3D Community 

Launched on May 21 by EuraMaterials and the CCI Grand Lille’s 3D Printing Club, the Sustain-3D community aims to bring together manufacturers, researchers, and 3D printing experts to jointly overcome the obstacles hindering the integration of additive manufacturing into everyday business operations, thereby reigniting interest in this technology and initiating collaborations to promote its use among SMEs.

EuraMaterials is therefore committed to maintaining and building on this momentum in the coming months, drawing in particular on the work carried out over the past 10 years by the “Impression 3D Hauts-de-France” club. A little teaser: see you again in the fall! 😉

2. Launch in 2025 of a Europe-wide event in Lille dedicated to the circular economy and additive manufacturing

Early next year, a Europe-wide event focused on additive manufacturing and innovations in 3D printing will be held in Lille. The event will bring together project partners, the Sustain-3D community, and anyone interested in the field to discuss recent advancements and envision a green and sustainable future for additive manufacturing.

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