Custom, fast production - 3D printing
The demand for unique, fast production has exploded, and 3D printing is becoming increasingly popular among entrepreneurs. NEW technology magazine spoke with György Falk, one of the owners of VARINEX and Dénes Gábor Award-winning engineer, about the current state of the market.
3D printing has become very popular recently, with more and more companies joining the industry. How are you different from the others?
In recent years, domestic companies in the sector have developed a lot, and clever initiatives have been launched. With due humility, we differ from the others in that we have had much more time to gather knowledge and experience in the past two decades. We are happy to help our customers, regardless of whether they are just getting acquainted with the world of 3D printing or are looking for a solution for a wide range of manufacturing technology optimization.
Our greatest experience is in effectively integrating 3D printing processes into traditional manufacturing technologies. In VARINEX solutions, the most profitable approach to manufacturing is a systemic approach, of which 3D printing is just one element. With our help, you can join this process at any level of knowledge, and we see that the further ahead someone is, the greater the profit they can realize with our solutions.
It gives me a good feeling that we have several active customers with whom we have been working for 20 years. I have been teaching additive technologies for decades together with excellent colleagues from BME, and so far more than 1,000 students have visited us, in our 3D printing factory with unique industrial capacity in our country.
The impact of the coronavirus on the 3D printing industry is a current and unavoidable question. What conclusions have you drawn from the events so far, and in what direction has the 3D printing market moved?
We see that the demand for quickly produced, customized products has increased dramatically, which is why 3D printing is one of the most suitable solutions to the emerging issues. At the same time, the changed circumstances have put everyone in a new situation. Most industrial players are facing serious challenges, so they need to make the best possible decisions in optimizing their development and production. VARINEX will be their reliable partner in this.
One more question about the coronavirus. How does VARINEX help those in need during this difficult time?
My friend and business partner Gyuri Voloncs and I have always tried to support good causes within our means for the past 30 years. It was also clear to both of us that we had to help in the fight against the coronavirus. So far, we have supported nearly 20 hospitals and healthcare institutions in Budapest and the countryside with 3D printed protective equipment.
One of the most important things about a 3D printer is what materials it can work with. What kind of machines and materials do you work with?
VARINEX deals with Stratasys industrial equipment. We undertake the printing of thousands of models per year as a service and enjoy the innovations of professional, industrial machines. These equipment have a decade-long technological advantage, are manufactured with patented technology and use truly technical materials from simple ABS to special high-standard ULTEM™ 9085 and ULTEM ™ 1010 resins. For 3D printing of production line jigs, the extremely strong and wear-resistant new polyamide Diran material is recommended, and the Stratasys FDM carbon fiber technology we distribute is excellent for replacing some metal parts.
Learn more about FDM Carbon Fiber technology here: varinex.hu/stratasys/cf
Source: Botond Némethi/NEW technology magazine