Materialise, a global leader in 3D printing, is launching Mindware as an advisory service to offer businesses strategic, tailored and technology-neutral insights on the use of 3D printing to address their business challenges.

Business leaders frequently cite one barrier against the widespread adoption of 3D printing: the lack of know-how. Materialise conducted a survey last year which illustrated nearly 50% of manufacturers expect the use of 3D printing to double in the next 5 years, but 41% see the lack of expertise as a major hurdle.

As companies begin to resume their operations after lockdowns lift, rising financial pressures are likely to render businesses more sensitive to investment risks. Bart Van Der Schueren, Chief Technology Officer at Materialise, notes, “3D printing offers unique opportunities for businesses looking to gain or maintain a competitive edge, while keeping investment risk low. It is critical however, to tap into a source that is both knowledgeable and unbiased. 3D printing covers a range of technologies which are each suited to varying applications, and neutrality is key in ensuring that the right technologies are chosen in each context.”

“We have spent the past three decades working out how to make 3D printing efficient, reliable, meaningful, and scalable. Now, we’re sharing our know-how and capabilities to assist businesses,” says Bart Van der Schueren. “Hardware and software are critical ingredients, but nothing substitutes the right know-how. I believe where we can really make a difference for our customers is with Mindware.”

Mindware is managed by a dedicated team of business strategists at Materialise, and supported by a wide network of experts throughout the 2000-employee company. Clients receive custom insights from specialists in disciplines ranging from R&D, to design and engineering, to process engineering, as well as specialists dedicated to verticals such as the medical and aerospace industries. Mindware can help companies with exploring or developing applications for 3D printing as well as defining strategy, qualify manufacturing processes.

Materialise
www.materialise.com