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Rotterdam port backs 3-D metal printing to make spare parts
THE Port of Rotterdam will be acquiring its own "Additive Manufacturing Fieldlab" with 3D metal printers to work on spare parts for the maritime industry.
"The first 3D printer is to be commissioned here in the second half of this year," said Port of Rotterdam Authority CEO Allard Castelein.
The EUR1 million (US$1.12 million) 3D metal printer will be housed at RDM Rotterdam, the old Rotterdam Drydock Company facility, long since an innovation showcase and an incubator for business, education and research projects.
This Fieldlab will provide port-related companies with a collective location to accelerate developments in this area.
"3D printing is promising, but also complex. Developments are appearing in rapid succession," said Mr Castelein.
"There are few companies with sufficient expertise and resources to start working with 3D metal printing on their own.
"This is why we are taking the initiative to create a Fieldlab that companies and knowledge institutes can join," he said.
Mr Castelein said the Fieldlab is a logical follow-up to the pilot project initiated last year to manufacture spare parts for ships using 3D print technologies.
"Rotterdam wants to be the world's smartest port and a leader in applications of this kind. That is good for the business community and good for employment," Mr Castelein said.
The eventual size of Fieldlab will depend on the participation of companies and institutions. Currently, 15 companies have signed declarations of intent.
If, in a few years, Fieldlab can stand on its own or if 3D metal becomes a commonly applied technology, the Port Authority intends to withdraw.
The port authority works with partners such as TU Delft, the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Deltalinqs, EY, Cambridge Innovation Centre, Rotterdam Partners, Philips Innovation Award and the Municipality of Rotterdam, on various projects such as iTanks, Innovation Dock, PortXL and Smartport.
"The first 3D printer is to be commissioned here in the second half of this year," said Port of Rotterdam Authority CEO Allard Castelein.
The EUR1 million (US$1.12 million) 3D metal printer will be housed at RDM Rotterdam, the old Rotterdam Drydock Company facility, long since an innovation showcase and an incubator for business, education and research projects.
This Fieldlab will provide port-related companies with a collective location to accelerate developments in this area.
"3D printing is promising, but also complex. Developments are appearing in rapid succession," said Mr Castelein.
"There are few companies with sufficient expertise and resources to start working with 3D metal printing on their own.
"This is why we are taking the initiative to create a Fieldlab that companies and knowledge institutes can join," he said.
Mr Castelein said the Fieldlab is a logical follow-up to the pilot project initiated last year to manufacture spare parts for ships using 3D print technologies.
"Rotterdam wants to be the world's smartest port and a leader in applications of this kind. That is good for the business community and good for employment," Mr Castelein said.
The eventual size of Fieldlab will depend on the participation of companies and institutions. Currently, 15 companies have signed declarations of intent.
If, in a few years, Fieldlab can stand on its own or if 3D metal becomes a commonly applied technology, the Port Authority intends to withdraw.
The port authority works with partners such as TU Delft, the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Deltalinqs, EY, Cambridge Innovation Centre, Rotterdam Partners, Philips Innovation Award and the Municipality of Rotterdam, on various projects such as iTanks, Innovation Dock, PortXL and Smartport.
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