Berlin is buzzing: Innovators of 3D printing
Berlin, 26 August 2024 - You might think it's a long journey from a start-up to become one of the world's leading providers of large-format 3D printing solutions. The Berlin-based company BigRep has made it in impressively focussed steps. Highlight of the company's history to date: BigRep SE celebrated the company's IPO on 31 July 2024. A milestone based on a spirit of innovation, timely internationalisation and strong partnerships.
But from the very beginning: Since its founding in 2014, BigRep has pursued the goal of making access to large-format 3D printing technologies more innovative, low-threshold and broader. In addition to hardware, this also includes intelligent software and other services such as training, eLearning, installation and maintenance services. In 2018, the company received several awards for its innovations, including the German Innovation Award.
In the years that followed, the company focused on expanding its own product portfolio while at the same time improving the user experience and specifically addressing the needs and requirements of industrial users. Cooperation with leading players from various industries strengthens the company's position as a pioneer in the field of additive manufacturing. The acquisition of the Austrian company HAGE3D GmbH and the goal of expanding the company's global set-up, network and established supply chain to further increase customer value also contributes to BigRep's international presence.
The possible applications for the products of the 3D printing innovators are diverse: Examples of products that can be produced include parts for aviation MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul), 3D printed fixtures for factory halls, carbon fibre parts with 3D printed moulds, concrete formwork, sand casting, or even customised trucks with 3D printed parts. However, it is also possible to customise vehicles, develop prototypes for industrial production or conduct research and training using 3D printing.
As the capital for additive manufacturing, Berlin offers BigRep the best conditions for steady growth and a location with enormous potential. With AMBER, the 3D printing initiative of the capital region (Additive Manufacturing Berlin-Brandenburg) managed and coordinated by Berlin Partner, the company has gained access to a strong network that aims to accelerate the transfer of research results into innovations that are both sustainable and globally competitive. As an umbrella brand for the Berlin AM ecosystem, AMBER aims to help position the capital region as the leading European address and international platform for new production technologies by 2030. A large number of AM players, major 3D printing conferences such as the AM Forum and CDFAM, the cutting-edge research located here and the range of AM training programmes contribute significantly to the attractiveness of the location.
From Berlin to the world – with additional offices and technical centres in Boston, Graz and Singapore, BigRep was able to expand its international presence. The IPO on 31 July 2024 marks a high point with good prospects: The latest milestone was made possible by the strategic merger with SMG Technology Acceleration SE, supported by SMG Holding, which is known for its focus on European SMEs, and the renaming of the company to BigRep SE as part of this merger. How the company will continue to shape and drive the industry in the future remains to be seen. However, the advanced solutions and innovative advances in 3D printing to date are certainly promising.
