Dansk AM Hub inaugurated with high ambitions

By Søren Winslew, published in 3DPdanmark on 11 September 2018

There was a strong turnout when Dansk AM Hub officially inaugurated its new premises in the former capsule factory on Carl Jacobsens Vej in Valby. And in a relatively short time, this new initiative has succeeded in positioning itself at the centre of the Danish AM landscape. Partly through a number of exciting events, but most of all because it has managed to build an extensive network, both nationally and internationally, and quickly translate it into a number of interesting partnerships.

Managing Director Mads Kjøller Damkjær welcomed everyone and spoke about AM Hub’s employees, network and the day itself, which was supported by a number of industry stakeholders, including Aarhus University, 3D Printhuset and Thürmer Tools, who contributed knowledge, materials and equipment to spark curiosity and interest among the many guests.

We must create something that has not previously been possible
After Mads Kjøller Damkjær, the CEO of the Danish Industry Foundation (IF), Mads Lebech, took the floor. He explained that IF exists to strengthen the competitiveness of Danish companies—not through small changes that companies can manage perfectly well themselves, but through the major initiatives and projects that can be difficult for an individual company to undertake. That is why they have joined the Dansk AM Hub project. He added that IF’s funds come from the manufacturing industry and must be channelled back into innovation and into creating something that has not previously been possible.

Challenges and opportunities
In his remarks, the Chair of the Board of Dansk AM Hub, Tue Mantoni, emphasised that while Additive Manufacturing (AM) is fundamentally about design and production, the crucial point is to develop sustainable business models from it. He spoke enthusiastically about the US company Invisalign, which produces 3D-printed dental aligners to straighten teeth—where metal braces were previously used. In relatively few years, they have built a business with annual revenue of $1.5 billion by straightening people’s teeth. Tue Mantoni would like to see us replicate successes like this, with Dansk AM Hub as the starting point.

Tue Mantoni also said that in Denmark we have both challenges and opportunities to bring with us in our conquest of the 3D world. The challenge is a pronounced lack of talent, in the sense that not enough people are being educated with the skills needed within AM. Greater contact and collaboration with schools at different levels should help address this. The opportunities include, among other things, that we are far more competent in sustainability than many other countries, and Tue Mantoni believes that this could play a positive role for our opportunities within AM.

3D-printed food is not just for fun
Associate Professor Mogens Hinge and Scientific Assistant Bjørn Kilsgaard from Aarhus University presented a self-developed 3D printer designed for food production. They are part of a project collaboration with, among others, DuPont, CreatITReal and the Danish Technological Institute to develop 3D-printed food for patients with particular challenges, for example with swallowing, appetite, or specific needs for dietary supplements.

For example, they are working on developing methods to adjust texture, design and taste using a range of different techniques. On the day itself, they demonstrated—mostly for fun—how they could print cream cheese onto crackers, so guests had a little something to take home. We congratulate AM Hub on the new premises and wish them the best of luck with the projects.