3devo, a scale-up in Utrecht, The Netherlands, is on a mission to empower innovators by unlocking the full potential of 3D printing. The company provides compact solutions enabling experimentation, development, and creation of new FDM 3D-printing materials.
Interview with Tim Wesselink, Founder of 3devo.
Easy Engineering: A brief description of the company and its activities.
Tim Wesselink: Our key products, the Filament Maker and GP20 Shredder & Granulator, transform small batches of materials and thermoplastic waste into high-quality 3D-printing filaments. Guided by our core values of Openness, Devotion, Courage, and Impact, our BHAG is to enable over 1 million innovations by 2032.
E.E: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
T.W: Our activities center on our cutting-edge technology—the Filament Maker and GP20 Shredder & Granulator—which allow users to experiment with new materials and recycle plastic waste into custom 3D-printing filaments. We offer extensive expertise through consulting and project insight mapping, assisting clients in developing materials and integrating sustainable recycling practices. Unlike conventional 3D printing, filament extrusion requires significant expertise, which we provide through our newly introduced services.
E.E: What’s the news about new products/services?
T.W: We’ve recently expanded our product line with advanced version of the Filament Maker, offering enhanced capabilities and user-friendly interfaces. We’ve also made significant advancements in SLS/MJF powder recycling, converting powder into quality 3D printing filament. Our new consulting service helps organizations establish sustainable 3D printing practices by integrating recycling processes. Additionally, we offer various validation services to minimize client risks and a 2-month trial period with a full refund—an industry first. For projects outside our standard offerings, we provide custom-developed solutions, another market first.
E.E: What are the ranges of products/services?
T.W: Our products include the Filament Maker for mixing materials and creating custom 3D printing filaments from various polymers and the GP20 Shredder & Granulator for processing plastic waste into reusable granules. Our services include consulting to map out project insights, help our clients develop new materials, and implement sustainable recycling practices. We provide technical support, training, validation services, and custom development options to meet specific project needs.
E.E: What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
T.W: The 3D printing market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing adoption across various industries such as education, manufacturing, healthcare, and public institutions. The demand for customized and sustainable solutions is rising, with a growing emphasis on material innovation and recycling. Despite economic challenges, the market remains resilient, with continuous advancements and new applications emerging regularly.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
T.W: Key trends include a shift towards sustainable and circular practices, with more organizations incorporating recycled materials into their 3D printing processes. There is a growing focus on developing innovative materials with enhanced properties, such as improved strength, flexibility, and temperature resistance. Additionally, we see a new trend of connecting SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) and MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) printing with FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printing by recycling the powder waste, into 3D Printing Filament, which opens up new opportunities for material reuse and process optimization.
E.E: What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
T.W: Our most innovative products include the advanced versions of the Filament Maker and GP20 Shredder & Granulator, offering unparalleled versatility and efficiency. Our breakthrough in SLS/MJF powder recycling, converting powder into quality 3D printing filament, is a game-changer. Our consulting services focus on sustainability, helping clients implement eco-friendly practices. Additionally, our validation services and custom development options provide tailored solutions, minimizing risks and ensuring client satisfaction.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2024?
T.W: Looking ahead to 2024, we anticipate continued growth and market presence expansion. We expect increased adoption of our products and services as more organizations prioritize sustainability and seek innovative 3D printing solutions. Our goal is to enhance our product offerings, expand consulting services, and drive innovation in material development and recycling. We aim to achieve significant milestones towards our goal of enabling over 1 million innovations by 2032.