Today we took a metro to West Amsterdam to visit MX3D, a 3D metal printing company!

Before we got on the metro, we first visited the 3D-printed bridge in Amsterdam that MX3D created. The bridge is considered a “smart” bridge since it has sensors to measure its load and temperature under various circumstances. This assessment data can then be applied in future projects that use the same material. The design of the bridge was sleek and modern, which showed off the ability of a 3D metal printer to make fine details in a product. 

At MX3D we listened to an informational presentation on the company’s history and printing process from Junior Business Developer Pierre Freneau. The main industries that MX3D manufactures products for include (but are not limited to) architecture, automobiles, oil, and art. The main appeal of 3D printed metal products is rooted in the incredibly fast production rate and the ability to create almost any design from a singular device (the 3D printer). Pierre explained that at the beginning of the printing process, a company can come to MX3D with a product in mind and many constraints or have a loose idea of their desired product. Either way, MX3D ensures the printed product will be optimal and within the constraints of the 3D printer. There are often instances where MX3D will have to make changes to a desired product. Then, MX3D will continue to work with the original company to make sure the desired product can be printed and still serve its intended function. 

I found MX3D to be at a unique point in the supply chain of metal products. While they are a manufacturer of 3D printed products, MX3D may have to go backward in the supply chain to ensure the intended product is feasible. Therefore, MX3D can end up becoming their own supplier of product ideas depending on the degree to which they need to modify a requested design. 

Given my interest in Bioengineering and medicine, I think utilizing 3D metal printing in the production of implants and joint replacement would be an innovative use of the technology. Quickly creating a perfectly sized implant using 3D metal printing would be ideal in timely circumstances. Unfortunately, MX3D does not print with titanium (the main metal used to produce implants) nor do they make products as small as those implants. Instead, the 3D printer works best with metal alloys like stainless steel and makes products no smaller than 20-30 centimeters in any dimension.

Tomorrow kicks off our overnight stay in Rotterdam!