Denmark’s first additive manufacturing (3D printing) award is presented to an emerging startup that has printed a kindergarten in Ukraine.
In connection with Dansk AM Summit 2023, held on 21 September at KB Hallen in Copenhagen, the entire Danish AM ecosystem and more than 600 participants this year celebrated the most groundbreaking Danish innovations and projects within 3D printing and presented the first AM Impact Award of its kind.
Dansk AM Hub is behind the AM Impact Award, and members of Dansk AM Hub voted for their favourite in the month leading up to AM Summit.
Three companies were nominated: Lego, Asgaard Metals and 3DCP Group.
Lego for the further development of their legendary wooden duck, which can now be produced using AM. In doing so, Lego shows that 3D printing has matured to the point where you can move from prototype to end products.
Asgaard Metal for developing a more sustainable metal powder for metal printing, based on an innovative process that collects residual metal powder from steel production.
And finally, 3DCP, for 3D-printing a kindergarten in Lviv, Ukraine in just a few days and demonstrating how AM technology can play a decisive role in rebuilding humanitarian crisis areas.
This year’s winner was the latter, which has excellently demonstrated how AM technology can be applied in areas where operating conditions are difficult, and where time and flexibility are decisive factors for success.
We are incredibly proud and grateful to receive the first AM Impact Award, and it only further motivates us to make a meaningful difference through 3D printing. It has been an inspiring journey so far, and it has only been possible thanks to a number of skilled partners who have shared our vision, says Mikkel Brich, CEO of 3DCP Group.
Frank R. Lorenzen, CEO of Dansk AM Hub, states:
With the AM Impact Award, we want to celebrate that in Denmark we have moved 3D printing and AM from a niche technology into major and meaningful applications and topics, and as a lever for entire companies. 3DCP’s project in Ukraine shows exactly these perspectives, and at the same time they are making a huge difference locally, where supply lines are particularly challenged. It is a project with innovation, heart and courage, and I fully understand why our members want to celebrate it.
Dansk AM Hub has long followed 3DCP Group in their work to change the way we think about construction. 3DCP Group has therefore also participated in AM Hub’s own accelerator programme, AM Venture Journey, where companies receive help to commercialise and further scale their business.
Together with 3DCP Group and Herningsholms Erhvervsskole, Dansk AM Hub has also launched a smaller project to develop education and teaching materials on 3D-printed construction.
With the development of 3D-printed construction, there is also a need for foundational concepts and principles for 3D-printed construction, as well as advanced technologies and innovative materials. It is also important to develop knowledge and use of the technology so that we ensure more sustainable construction. The goal is to create a comprehensive and accessible course that can be used by students, teachers, researchers and practitioners in the Danish construction industry.
