How companies can benefit from implementing additive manufacturing technologies – Interview with Johannes Lutz from 3D Industrie

3D Industrie GmbH, founded in 2019 by Johannes Lutz, specialises in supporting industrial and manufacturing companies in successfully implementing 3D printing technologies. They also assist 3D printing service providers in acquiring more premium clients, small-series orders, and high-quality projects through targeted marketing and sales strategies. In an interview with 3Druck.com, founder and CEO Johannes Lutz discusses the key challenges companies face when entering industrial 3D printing and the goals they should pursue when investing in additive manufacturing technologies.

Johannes Lutz, who worked in technical sales and application development for 3D printing while studying mechanical engineering and economics, recognised the potential of this technology early on. With the founding of 3D Industrie GmbH, he is pursuing the goal of supporting companies in the successful implementation of 3D printing solutions.

The focus of 3D Industrie is on identifying suitable applications for additive manufacturing within companies. This includes training employees, selecting the appropriate 3D printing technology, and integrating it into existing manufacturing processes. Lutz and his team offer tailored consulting to help companies save time and costs by utilising innovative 3D printing methods.

In addition to consulting for manufacturing companies, 3D Industrie also supports 3D printing service providers. Through targeted marketing and sales strategies, service providers are assisted in attracting new clients and securing high-quality orders, particularly in the area of small-series production.

Johannes Lutz shares his expertise not only in his book “3D-Druck Profi-Wissen” but also in his weekly 3D printing podcast. With this comprehensive approach, 3D Industrie positions itself as a competent partner for companies looking to embrace additive manufacturing.

Interview with Johannes Lutz

‘3D printing is a tool that is designed to solve a problem, rather than just print a part.’

In an interview with 3Druck.com, Johannes Lutz, founder and CEO of 3D Industrie, talks about the biggest challenges companies face when getting started with industrial 3D printing and emphasises the need for targeted support to avoid mistakes. He also discusses the goals that companies should pursue when introducing additive manufacturing technologies, such as saving time and costs and increasing innovative strength.

What are the key challenges companies face, in your experience, when entering industrial 3D printing?

These challenges vary greatly depending on the company’s level of knowledge. However, those who want to achieve quick success in industrial 3D printing should not hesitate to seek help rather than trying to handle everything alone.

Companies that are just starting out often struggle to gain an overview of the 3D printing world and to identify which technology is best suited for their specific applications and production issues. Often, the 3D printer chosen based on its features turns out not to be the right fit.

Additionally, many careless mistakes are made in the early stages, leading to unprofitable investments and a loss of motivation among employees, as high expectations result in disappointment.

3D printing is a tool designed to solve specific problems, rather than just printing parts. It’s important to start with simple parts and applications like fixtures, assembly holders, and aids, rather than tackling the most complex parts right away, which only increases complexity and issues.

The biggest challenge for many companies is recognising from the outset where 3D printing makes sense and is ideal for implementation.

What goals should companies pursue when investing in additive manufacturing technologies?

Companies have a variety of goals. Generally, the aim is always to save time and money with 3D printing, while also boosting innovation, which is something management always appreciates. Customers, on the other hand, are often more interested in the added value of additive manufacturing, such as faster delivery times, mass customisation, lightweight construction, simplification, or cost savings.

Many companies have already moved beyond the goal of prototyping, especially those with FDM 3D printers in their design departments. The next goal should be to use 3D printing for manufacturing aids, making employees’ tasks easier. There are already many applications where 3D printing is used for final products or assemblies.

A good motivation for companies is to progress from prototyping to manufacturing aids and ultimately to end products.

What future possibilities and potential do you see in additive manufacturing that are particularly promising for companies?

The 3D printing industry often advertises with rocket parts and topology-optimised components. However, the greatest potential for industry lies in the simplest applications that still cause stress and problems today. Many companies fail to recognise problems that could be quickly and easily solved with 3D printing, creating significant added value.

What impact do you believe additive manufacturing will have on various industries and potentially on society as a whole in the coming years?

Every industry can benefit from additive manufacturing because 3D printing solves cross-industry challenges. A medical technology company, for example, has to carry out assembly processes just like the mechanical engineering industry. The nine fundamental problems that 3D printing addresses exist in every sector.

Society will experience the benefits of 3D printing when companies break free from rigid thinking and embrace the freedoms and advantages offered by the technology. Many past examples, such as hearing aids and dental aligners, have already demonstrated this.

Here you can find more information about 3D Industrie.