Between the new “Work from Home” lifestyle and the desire to create sustainable products and environments, our current environment has opened the room for more creativity for some 3D printing companies and users.  

One of the first initiatives we saw in this context, was a series of products designed to improve the “Work from Home” lifestyle but a recent collaboration between Port of Rotterdam, the Architech Company and Royal3D revealed the construction of a flexible and sustainable 3D printed workspace in the Grofsmederij (forging works) on the RDM site in Rotterdam. The initiative goes beyond the current needs of the Covid-19 environment and opens doors to new possibilities for workspaces.

Royal3D is known for the 3D printing solutions it provides to the marine industry. The company works with CEAD to develop industrial large scale fiber reinforced CFAM printing technologies. As their name implies, the ArchiTech Company is a consultancy firm that develops architecture and building solutions for the industry. As for the Port of Rotterdam Authority, it aims to enhance the port’s competitive position as a logistics hub and world-class industrial complex. As a true advocate of circular economy, it has often been involved in some activities that required the use of 3D printing, the latest one you have certainly heard about being the first 3D Printed Fiber reinforced plastic footbridge.

R-IGLO, the sustainable 3D printed workspace

The 3D printed workspace is a Port of Rotterdam Authority pilot project that is now being implemented and tested in the Grofsmederij on the RDM site in Rotterdam.

Named R-IGLO, the letter R standing for Reusable, Recycled, Rotterdam and Royal3D, the shape and distinctive patterns form a structure whose items can be adjustable – depending on the final desired size of the workspace.

Its modular character means the individual sections are easy to transport and assemble, which also makes them easy to dismantle and store.

Royal3D explains that the R-IGLO is printed from recycled PETG material from the port of Rotterdam, reinforced with 30% fibreglass. Using their Continuous Fibre Additive Manufacturing (CFAM) printer in De Werkplaats in M4H, printing can be carried out on an industrial scale. The machine prints at least 15 kg per hour and can print objects measuring up to 4 x 2 x 1.5 metres. CFAM allows fibre to be added continuously to the print material, significantly increasing its structural strength and stiffness.

Property Manager Ria Hoogendoorn states: “the Port of Rotterdam Authority values the promotion of sustainability and innovation in the property sector. That is why we are working with entrepreneurs from the Rotterdam Makers District. They are working on innovations for a sustainable future. When I was asked to find a solution for a heated workspace inside a large port warehouse, I was eager to use the opportunity to set up a pilot project for a circular and locally sourced solution.”

 Remember, you can post job opportunities in the AM Industry on 3D ADEPT Media free of charge or look for a job via our job board. Make sure to follow us on our social networks and subscribe to our weekly newsletter : Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & Instagram ! If you want to be featured in the next issue of our digital magazine or if you hear a story that needs to be heard, make sure to send it to contact@3dadept.com