THE AMBIGRAM
Dare to manufacture differently
LARGEST 3D PRINTED BOOTH EVER
– made in the Benelux
What?
| A demonstrator concept on Additive Manufacturing designed in the shape of a futuristic dome construction. |
Why?
| To raise awareness of Additive Manufacturing among potential users and inspire them in a creative way. |
How?
| An impressive collaboration of more than 30 leading Flemish and Dutch companies and research institutes. |
THE FIGURES
- 1st 3D printed exhibition stand of this size
- 24m² dome structure
- More than 130 3D printed parts, both polymer and metal, ranging from connectors and support pillars to entire tabletops.
- 15 different printing techniques
- More than 30 leading companies & research institutes active in AM collaborated
“3D printing is already considered a full-fledged manufacturing technology, but it remains a challenge for many companies to deploy the technology where it is useful and relevant. We were looking for a way to make that deployment visible and tangible”
Kris Binon, director of Flam3D
THE FACTS
3D printed parts and products are used for a wide range of applications and printed parts are quickly making their way into end products. Why? They allow for simplified product design, reduction in weight, complex geometries, and improved part performance. More and more, production challenges can be solved faster, better, and in many instances, at lower cost, using Additive Manufacturing (AM). Implemented properly, AM can significantly lower production costs, reduce material waste, reduce the number of production steps, inventory being held, and minimise the number of distinct parts needed for an assembly.
The AMbigram illustrates some of the benefits that Additive Manufacturing offers to gain a competitive advantage:
- Freedom of shape, without sacrificing strength
- Light weight
- Integrated functionality
- 3D printing for construction
- Flexible design
- The dome is divided in 2 main parts, convenient for transport and set-up
- Reusability
- None of it ends up in the bin. Reason enough, therefore, to also talk about the potential of 3D printing in relation to sustainability
“As confirmed in various reports, the Netherlands-Flanders region is at the top of the world when it comes to R&D and production in AM. The potential of the technology certainly does not lie exclusively in the (export of) printed parts and the knowledge, materials, or software around them. The true potential of the technology is increasingly dependent on the smart integration in an innovative (and thus more competitive) manufacturing industry.”
Fran Dendooven, Marcom manager of Flam3D
THE PARTNERS
More than 30 different leading companies and research institutes active in Additive Manufacturing, both in Flanders and the Netherlands, contributed to the design and/or printing of this impressive puzzle. Flam3D, as the sector association, initiated and supervised the project.
AMbigram co-creators:
3D&I, 3iD, 3D Maastricht, AMPC Solutions, AMR Europe, Bekking 3D, BUDA::lab, Buhlmann, Bulcke Technical Printing, Centexbel, Deceuninck, Design8, ESMA, FabLab Leuven, Formando, Gagat studio, Guaranteed, Howest, Inzert 3D, KU Leuven, Materialise, MX3D, Odisee, OMD3D, Parts on Demand, Poly Products, QDP, Seido Systems, Thomas More Hogeschool, Valcun, Ghent University, VDAB and Hogeschool Windesheim.
Kunststofshop.nl is sponsor of the tubes. The design was realized by Jeremy Bertrand and Melvin Lauwers as part of their bachelor’s dissertation at Thomas More Hogeschool.
The AMbigram highlights that Flanders and the Netherlands are among the world’s best when it comes to R&D and production in AM, and also proves that you achieve progress through smart collaboration.
“A collaboration between 30 players in 3D printing is a unique achievement in itself, but in addition, we should also be incredibly proud of the final result. An exhibition booth measuring 4 by 6 metres manufactured with AM is still unseen to date.”
Jorn Beeckmans, Communications officer of Flam3D
EXTRA FUN BUT INFORMATIVE FEATURE
👁️ Customised VR gaming feature: With the help of an accompanying interactive VR visualisation and personal explanation by Flam3D, Additive Manufacturing technology and its potential use will be further explained at trade fairs and events.
LIFE OF THE AMBIGRAM
After its premiere at the Formnext fair – without doubt the most important Additive Manufacturing (AM) event in the world – the demonstration project will travel around to trade fairs and events at home and abroad for several years. The AMbigram will also be on display for the general public at informative locations between the different fairs in order to continue to “inform and inspire” the general public to use 3D printing meaningfully.
Want to discover the AMbigram with your own eyes? Keep an eye on the Flam3D LinkedIn for updates on the location of the AMbigram.
