Massivit 3D to show breakthrough 3D print solutions at FESPA 2017

This year's FESPA global show will see Massivit 3D highlight its latest 3D printing technologies to elevate traditional large format applications to a new dimension.

Israeli 3D print manufacturer Massivit 3D will use FESPA 2017, from 8-12 May at Hamburg Messe in Hamburg, to demonstrate how its three dimensional printing technology is changing the way high-level advertising, marketing and themed tasks are created.

We spoke to Lilach Sapir, vice president of marketing at Massivit 3D to find out more about the opportunities of 3D printing for wide format printers, and the technologies and solutions they plan to showcase at this year's global print exhibition.

Industry is getting very excited about 3D, but are there specific areas or applications that are particularly exciting?

Over the last 30 years, 3D printing has grown steadily, making the biggest impact in manufacturing where it has transformed many production processes. Currently, the technology is also able to present viable application opportunities for the large format/sign sector.

With the capability to very quickly produce high quality, robust 3D pieces, our customers are already pushing the boundaries of the technology - exploring next generation applications in new sectors. This goes beyond large format 3D printed applications for promotional applications and into sectors such as hospitality, interior design and the entertainment sector.

This is exemplified by one of our Australian customers, Omus. The company has centred its business around producing high-end displays for the premium retail sector, exhibitions and events for which he produces high end displays.

The technology can even stretch as far as bespoke retail outlets as demonstrated by Omus, who recently produced the ‘world’s first’ 3D printed pop-up store for luxury fashion brand, Louis Vuitton.

Can 3D represent an opportunity for all commercial and wide-format printers or only those with very specific skills or client base? 

The ‘traditional’ large format printing industry remains very competitive market. As such, 3D printing could potentially unlock the door to new business and provide the all-important competitive advantage.

As demonstrated by our existing customer-base and thanks to its flexibility, 3D printing can be seamlessly integrated into most large format print business models. With their extensive knowledge of traditional printing processes and a comprehensive customer base, commercial and wide-format print houses are already integrating 3D printing services into their product portfolio, with minimal learning and business disruption.

A great example of this is E.S Digital who was approached by a new Israel-based chocolate shop, ‘Little Switzerland’ in a bid to strengthen its brand identity and make the its store more appealing to its target market. E.S Digital 3D printed a larger-than-life replica of the company’s mascot that was combined with traditional print graphics to enforce the company’s brand.

Large format 3D printing offers something different, something new. It enables the creation of vibrant, eye-catching 3D printed sign & display projects beyond those that can be achieved with 2D large format printing solutions.

In fact, research shows that 3D printed adverts have five times more stopping-power and four times more staying-power than 2D advertising. It’s no wonder that more and more companies are introducing 3D printing to their projects.

What is Massivit 3D’s main focus for FESPA 2017? 

FESPA 2017 provides the ideal platform for us to demonstrate the profit-generating and diverse applications that companies can achieve with 3D printing. Ranging from illuminated promotional displays, vibrant retail projects and bespoke sculptures, Massivit 3D printing technology is already elevating traditional large format applications to a new dimension.

After we launched our Massivit 1800, the market reaction was hugely positive and we were fortunate to have exceeded our sales targets, achieving double-digit sales in just a few short months. For FESPA 2017, our Massivit 1800 with its core technology - Gel Dispensing Printing (GDP) will remain our focus.

What should printers ask before they look at making an investment in 3D?

A good number of your readers will already be running successful, profitable businesses, and many of them will be conscious of the need to evolve their offering to ensure that their customers feel the added value and stay loyal. This is what will attract these companies to 3D printing in the first place.

They are also likely to have made capital expenditure decisions before and will instinctively know what to ask a manufacturer, and themselves, before making a 3D technology purchase.

US-based company Carisma used a Massivit 1800 to produce a number of visually-striking campaigns for prominent blockbuster movies and popular US shows. 

Like any other technology purchase, they should firstly explore the advantages that 3D offers to their business in terms of its positioning and offering as a company, as well as the role it will play in the future of the business. 

They should also establish their 3D printing route-to-market, from both existing and new customers. For example, what do they need to do to generate 3D work? Luckily for most, future customers of 3D printing are also purchasers of traditional signage so it’s often a very easy sell.

But one thing’s for sure; early 3D printing adopters will reap the rewards of coming to market first. Adding many new revenue streams and profitable applications, and aiding in transforming the market. 

What are the growth ambition for the business?

We aim to maintain our position as the worldwide 3D print manufacturer of choice, particularly in the sign and display market. We will also continue to work closely with our customers and R&D team to ensure that we continue to develop technology that meets their needs.

As more and more companies look to adopt 3D printing within their traditional manufacturing processes, we believe that we will undoubtedly be asked to support additional markets in the future. We are committed to growing our business in large format printing and other associated markets.

In the short-term, this will see us scaling-up all operations across all key geographic regions, and continuing to develop our products offering and tools for customers. That will no doubt mean the introduction of other truly pioneering developments. 

Why would you recommend people attend FESPA 2017? 

As one of the leading print tradeshows in Europe, FESPA 2017 offers visitors the opportunity to see all the leading manufacturers, suppliers and key influencers in one place. As a tried and tested model, FESPA 2017 not only provides access to key visitors, it also has other activities designed to inspire and educate. It’s a good fit for our business.

See Massivit 3D at FESPA 2017 on Stand A4-C20 at the Hamburg Messe, Hamburg, from 8-12 May.