The first scale-up project within the ambitious Manufacturing NextMaterials programme (MNM) has been approved and will start this month. Opiliones B.V. and 3D-Druck Bognar will work on the Compose-it 3D project within a cross-border collaboration. A project on 3D printing technology and materials. An important milestone for Opiliones B.V. and 3D-Druck Bognar, but also for the European MNM.<blockquote>‘Participating in the MNM programme is a great opportunity for us to really do something new in the world of 3D printing. Together with 3D-Druck Bognar, we are working on the development of new composite materials, which will allow us to make our printers even more efficient and versatile. This will soon allow us to produce more sustainably and cost-consciously, and take a big step towards innovative, scalable solutions for industry.’- Peter Sluiter, Opiliones B.V.</blockquote><h3>Dutch and German expertise matched&nbsp;</h3>Opiliones B.V. has proven to be an innovator in the development, production and sale of large-scale ‘Delta’ FDM 3D printers. Thanks to their unique printing platform, the Dutch company has made significant technological advances, making it possible to efficiently print materials such as PA composite, concrete and metal in addition to plastics. This makes Opiliones the specialist in scalable FDM 3D printing solutions.German firm 3D-Druck Bognar, founded by engineer Lars Bognar, brings extensive expertise in 3D printing materials to the project. With more than a decade of experience, gained at Ford Motor Company among others, Bognar focuses on developing innovative materials that take 3D printing to the next level. His expertise in additive manufacturing and materials science makes 3D-Druck Bognar the ideal partner in this project.<h3>Composite granules for advanced 3D printers</h3>The aim of the scale-up project is to develop three types of composite granules, which will be used as raw materials for Opiliones' advanced granular 3D printers. These materials are suitable for printing engineering and structural parts for machinery and household appliances. An important step is the further development of the Opiliones Metal Granulate 3DPrinter, which will be adapted to process the new composite granulate. This should pave the way for more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable production with 3D printing.The MNM project is being carried out under the Interreg Deutschland-Nederland VI programme and is co-financed with EUR 4.14m by the European Union, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, MWIKE NRW, MB Niedersachsen and the Province of Drenthe, Province of Flevoland, Province of Fryslân, Province of Gelderland, Province of Groningen, Province of Noord-Brabant and Province of Overijssel.

First Manufacturing NextMaterials scale-up project launched: Compose-it 3D