Well-known designers, industry experts, exhibitors from all over Poland, presentation of the latest developments, educational workshops, discussions about trends and a large dose of up-to-date knowledge. This, in short, is the seventh edition of the event, which will be held already on 19 September at the Pomeranian Science and Technology Park Gdynia under the slogan ‘sustainability’. The Pomeranian 3D Printing Days and its slogan this year are aimed at all companies that are looking for savings in their production processes and want to develop in the spirit of sustainability using 3D printing technology. Participation in the event is free of charge
From a meeting of enthusiasts to the most important event in the 3D printing industry
Pomeranian Print Days is a conference that has grown from an intimate meeting of 3D printing enthusiasts to one of the most important events of the industry in Poland. We must admit that this year’s programme promises to be exceptionally interesting. There will be no shortage of top experts and burning topics in the area of sustainable development, i.e.: recovery of plastics, use of biodegradable materials, limiting the carbon footprint in production and energy savings or issues related to the use of 3D printing in advertising. The organisers’ invitation was accepted by, among others, designer Łukasz Pączkowski, known as Zulu Kuki. He is a designer and multidisciplinary artist who likes to use modern technologies in his work. One of his most recognisable products is footwear produced using a 3D printer. Recently, his installation created as part of the Gdynia Design Days festival was erected on a beach in Gdynia. You can read our interview with Zulu Kuki HERE
Sustainable development as an answer to the challenges of today’s economy
Where did the idea for the slogan ‘Sustainability’ come from? – The Pomeranian Science and Technology Park Gdynia is the largest innovation hub in Poland. When supporting innovative projects, we try to do so in a wise and responsible manner, while responding to the needs of the modern economy. The main objective of sustainable development is to achieve a balance between economic and social progress and environmental protection. This approach perfectly reflects the spirit in which we operate on a daily basis. Therefore, this year’s slogan “sustainability” is a natural response to socio-economic challenges faced by entrepreneurs today, and 3D printing technology is one of the tools to meet these challenges – says Anna Borkowska – Director of the Pomeranian Science and Technology Park Gdynia.
We are still in the post-covid era , where the trend of sustainable development is intertwined with a period of economic downturn and a new perspective in EU funding. The development of the 3D printing industry is trying to meet the current socio-economic challenges. This is why we want to talk about closed material cycles in 3D printing at the next edition. We will present opportunities for material recovery and reuse. We will introduce operational processes using 3D technology that focus on local manufacturing and allow entrepreneurs to become independent from today’s capricious global supply chains and reduce CO2 emissions. Invited speakers will also talk about the available funding opportunities for sustainable businesses using concrete business examples, says Michal Pęczek of Bibus Menos
During the next edition of the Pomeranian 3D Printing Days, we would like not only to discuss current challenges facing the 3D printing environment, but also target companies implementing and realising sustainable development goals, representing many sectors of the economy. Both at PPNT Gdynia and at the Gdansk Science and Technology Park, we work on a daily basis with companies who tell us about their needs, who are looking for interesting solutions and development opportunities. The Pomeranian 3D Printing Days Sustainability edition is a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, learn about new trends in the industry, as well as verify sustainable development strategies in their companies – says Radosław Wika, Director of the Gdańsk Science and Technology Park
The event will be complemented by educational workshops, the topics of which will also be related to sustanablility issues. Their aim is to develop skills related to 3D technologies and reverse engineering, taking into account the idea of sustainable development in aspects of education, gender equality, innovation and responsible production. The workshop will be led by Mirosław Pałysiewicz – an expert in 3D technologies, an experienced trainer and mentor who has been actively involved in education in the field of new technologies and gender equality for years. There will be an exhibition section, which will showcase the latest technological and material solutions and traditionally provide an opportunity for backstage talks and networking
For most people, 3D printing is associated with printing figurines and small objects of rather little use in everyday life. When I started my adventure with 3D printing five years ago, my first challenge was to build a printer based on the RepRap project (a free solution for creating self-replicating 3D printers – more here). This allowed me to look at this manufacturing method from a completely different perspective. 3D printers give us quite a lot of scope for rational production. We can print spare parts for many items ourselves (housings, caps, handles, simple tools, etc.) as well as create unique personalised items. One of the most popular home furnishings shops provides spare parts in the form of stl files, which can be printed yourself, says Miroslaw Palysiewicz
3D printing becomes even more attractive if recycled raw materials are used in production
A nod towards ecology can also be observed on the market of filaments (‘filaments’ made of plastic – the material used for printing in the most popular FDM method on the market). We have a choice of biodegradable materials: polymers based on cornmeal (PLA) or natural wood (Biowood), as well as fully recycled RPLA printing materials or Reflow rPETG products derived, among others, from recycled fishing nets (reflowfilament.com). Their quality and durability do not differ significantly from products obtained from ‘pure’ pellets. There is now also a move to eliminate the problem of packaging and the spools on which the filament is wound. Previously, these were components produced on the basis of plastic discarded after the product was used up. Here, a number of solutions have emerged: The manufacturer Rosa produces its spools from recycled materials reducing the amount of pollution produced and offers collection of empty packaging. There have also been opportunities to purchase the filament itself applied to a previously upgraded spool using printed parts, explains Mirosław Pałysiewicz
More about the event
Pomeranian 3D Printing Days is a cyclical event organised in cooperation between the Pomeranian Science and Technology Park Gdynia andthe Gdansk Science and Technology Park in partnership with BIBUS MENOS. Each edition of the event is devoted to a different aspect of the use of 3D printing technology.The whiteMAD magazine is a media patron of the event
when: 19.09.2023, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
where: Pomeranian Science and Technology Park Gdynia
admission: free, registration required: tiny.pl/ccgqr
event on FB: https://fb.me/e/BkoLrudq
source: Pomeranian Science and Technology Park(http://www.ppnt.pl)
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