3D printing for businesses has established itself as a key technology for improving competitiveness and innovation. Despite having over 30 years of history, it is still largely unknown to many organisations.
However, more and more businesses are asking whether additive manufacturing can add value to their operations. Whether you are developing a new idea based on 3D printing or running an established company, this article is for you.
Below, we explain how to integrate additive manufacturing through the programmes at ThinkIn 3D Mataró.
3D Printing for Businesses: A Gateway to Competitiveness
Today, the market evolves very rapidly. On one hand, new trends emerge constantly. On the other, customers demand increasingly personalised products.
In this context, additive manufacturing has become a key tool. It enables ideas to be transformed into products quickly, flexibly and efficiently.
Furthermore, 3D printing aligns fully with the principles of Industry 4.0. It therefore represents a clear opportunity for SMEs, micro-SMEs and start-ups that want to innovate.
However, adopting this technology is not straightforward. Especially in Catalonia, where 99.8% of the productive fabric is made up of small businesses, according to data from Pimec.
ThinkIn 3D Mataró: Connecting 3D Printing and Business Reality
It was precisely to facilitate this transition that ThinkIn 3D Mataró was created. It is not just a space with advanced 3D printing machinery.
In fact, it is a project designed to help businesses innovate in:
Operations
Production processes
Business models
All of this, always with a personalised approach. Each company faces a different challenge, and each challenge requires a specific solution.
For this reason, the incubator offers three programmes with different levels of intensity and impact.
High-Performance Programme: Maximum Business Transformation
This programme is aimed at start-ups, spin-offs, SMEs and micro-SMEs. It is ideal both for newly created companies and for traditional organisations that want to make a qualitative leap.
Despite appearing to be opposite profiles, they share a common element: the desire for deep transformation.
Example 1: A Start-Up Based on 3D Printing
Imagine a company that wants to manufacture fashion accessories using 3D printing. The goal is to offer fully customised products.
If this start-up is still fine-tuning its production process, the high-performance programme offers it:
Mentoring in strategy and business model
Expert support in additive manufacturing
Prototyping and technical validation
A viability plan to enter the market with guarantees
In this way, the idea is transformed into a solid business.
Example 2: An Established Company That Wants to Innovate
Now think of a company that produces in bulk using moulds. This company wants to explore personalisation and open new market niches.
In that case, integrating 3D printing involves transforming the business model. Therefore, the high-performance programme is the right option.
In short, if you want 3D printing for businesses to be a real driver of change, this programme is designed for you.
Technology Accelerator: Optimising the Production Process
This programme is aimed at established SMEs and micro-SMEs. The goal is not to change the business strategy, but to improve their operations.
For example, an industrial company can use 3D printing to manufacture:
Spare parts
Tooling
Support elements for machinery
This reduces downtime and dependence on external suppliers.
On the other hand, it also allows products to be prototyped before investing in expensive moulds. This reduces risk and optimises resources.
Technology Services: Try Before You Decide
Finally, technology services are the lowest-intensity programme. They are designed for companies with a specific need.
For example, a company that wants to test a new material can trial different 3D printing solutions before making a strategic decision.
You will also have the support of experts in additive manufacturing applied to your sector.
Why Join ThinkIn 3D Mataró?
Participating in the accelerator programmes allows you to:
Incorporate a technology with high differentiation potential
Access top-level expert advice
Receive personalised mentoring for each situation
Gain productive autonomy
Offer products with greater added value
In short, 3D printing for businesses is a key tool for driving innovation and long-term competitiveness.