3DOP | 3D printing Optimised Production

Shaping the future of European manufacturing through advanced 3D printing solutions

Context

Although 3D printing brings major advantages for manufacturing, challenges remain. High production costs, inconsistent quality, lack of automation, and limited digital integration still hinder wider adoption. 3DOP addresses these issues by establishing a pan-European innovation and investment ecosystem. It brings together targeted technical solutions and long-term investment strategies to accelerate the uptake of additive manufacturing.

Objectives & results

3DOP aims to deliver concrete improvements in manufacturing through the development of new products, processes, and services. Focus areas include making metal 3D printing more efficient and sustainable, cutting costs and lead times, and introducing automation in sectors such as dental prosthetics and 3D print factories.

1. Maximising impact
   Early efforts focus on optimising post-production workflows to support scalability. Four work packages are aligned to develop focused solutions and meet the needs of industrial partners.
2. Contributing to economic growth
   3DOP is expected to significantly impact the additive manufacturing sector. Partner companies project growth beyond 55 percent by 2026. The project supports SMEs, encourages resource efficiency, and rolls out pilot use cases across regions, linking innovation to practical economic outcomes.
3. Strategic impact areas
   3DOP plays a key role in regional innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability. With 33 technology partners, the project spans eight EU countries and strengthens cooperation between regions to accelerate the adoption of 3D printing technologies.

Approach

The project is structured around five core workstreams:

1. Novel cost-effective metal printing
   3DOP develops two new techniques, metal FDM and molten metal deposition, to reduce the cost and complexity of metal 3D printing. These developments will contribute to a more cost effective production and wider adoption of the technology.
2. Boosting hardware life with efficient repair
   Instead of replacing worn components, 3DOP introduces repair methods using 3D metal printing, including WAAM and Laser DED. These techniques help industries like aerospace and manufacturing extend the lifespan of costly parts, save raw materials, and reduce energy use, supporting circular production.
3. 3D printed molds with embedded electronics
   Molds with built-in sensors enable real-time monitoring during production. Applications range from smart lighting to lightweight parts in mobility sectors. Pilot plants across Europe help scale the adoption of this technology, while a network of partners ensures the knowledge is widely shared.
4. Automated production of 3D printed dental prosthetics
   3DOP automates the dental production chain by linking digital files to printed prosthetics, scanning for defects, and handling packaging using robotics. Two demonstrators are under development to show the potential of automation in improving speed, precision, and affordability in dental care.
5. Digitisation of high-mix manufacturing
   Manual steps in post-processing are replaced with smart, modular systems that automate identification, sorting, inspection, and packing. AI and machine vision enhance part recognition. These systems improve scalability and offer flexibility for high-mix, high-volume production.

Target Group

3DOP is designed for SMEs and large manufacturers in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, machinery, lighting, and medical devices. It also supports technology providers, automation experts, and developers looking to collaborate in a European ecosystem for additive manufacturing.

Funding 

The project is funded through the EISMEA I3 programme, supporting commercialisation and scale-up of regional innovation initiatives.

Project logo

Project Partners

The project involves 33 partners including Sirris, TNO, 3Faktur, AM-Flow, Signify, Ziggzagg and others. The full partner list can be found on the 3DOP website.

External links

• Main portal
• General website