Flam3D and Mikrocentrum are joining forces for the next edition of RapidPro
Mikrocentrum, independent knowledge & network organization specialized in technical training, events and the High Tech Platform, and Flam3D, the independent non-profit platform for all Flemish and Dutch stakeholders active in 3D printing, join forces for the upcoming edition of RapidPro. RapidPro is without a doubt the most important 3D-print/Additive Manufacturing trade fair with conference in the Benelux.
The aim of the collaboration is to strengthen the event’s position as ‘the place to be’ for any company that could benefit from 3D printing. “3D printing is a technology that can provide a competitive advantage to companies in a wide range of sectors – from automotive to medical applications to mechanical engineering. We are well aware that we still have a long way to go to explain to all these companies how they can make the most of the advantages of 3D printing,” explains Pieter Machtelinckx, communications manager of Flam3D. RapidPro is the only place where you can see the entire range of products and services at the same time. “So every company with a vision should at least come and take a look,” says Tom Wessels van Mikrocentrum.
Collaboration on three levels
The cooperation between the two organisations will be concretised in three areas. First there is the content programme at the fair. The forces are combined to capture leading speakers and to set up a beautiful and relevant programme for the visitors. “The combination of the fair and the lecture programme appeals to both visitors and exhibitors,” Wessels explains.
In addition, members of Flam3D will be able to book a place as an exhibitor at the fair using a dedicated package. More than 80 organisations active in the field of 3D printing in the Netherlands and Flanders are affiliated with Flam3D. “All these organisations represent almost the entire 3D ecosystem: suppliers, manufacturers, service providers, manufacturing companies using additive or hybrid manufacturing, schools and research institutes. However, knowledge without demand has no value, and by working together we can bring supply and demand together,” Kris Binon, general manager of Flam3D agrees.
Finally, both organisations will work together to bring even more (relevant) people from the industry to the exhibition floor. The previous edition was a success in this respect, with more than 2,600 attendees spread over two days. “We expect at least the same number of visitors for the next edition, but we think there is still room for growth. One of the ways to achieve this is by working with complementary organisations such as Flam3D,” concludes Wessels.
About RapidPro
As an international trade fair with a conference, RapidPro offers solutions for all phases of prototyping, production and product development. Various Additive Manufacturing techniques (both for polymers and metals) are covered, but also techniques such as CNC milling, casting and vacuum forming. Solutions such as virtual prototyping, metrology, quality assurance and software are certainly not forgotten. Mikrocentrum will be organising RapidPro for the ninth time. During the exhibition, which will take place on 13 and 14 March 2019 in Veldhoven, visitors will be able to discover the latest developments with a focus on industrialisation and tooling.
Visitors can visit the fair free of charge after pre-registering at www.rapidpro.nl.