New Start for The 3D Printing Association: Membership Registration 2017 Now Open

October 19, 2016
, Additive

Since its first appearance under the new management this spring, The 3D Printing Association (3DPA) and its staff in The Hague have been working behind the scenes to reformat the associationâs main platforms: its website, e-newsletter and social media presence are undergoing reconstruction. While work is still in progress to complete the transition, the association is proud to announce that registration for 3DPA membership is now open.

Interim Director Jules Lejeune of the hosting association management company under his name comments: The feedback since our re-launch confirms the need for an independent business-to-business member platform for the European additive manufacturing industry. According to the inquiries received on-line and via telephone, there are three principle areas of interest to be addressed under our roof:

The need to stimulate education and awareness about Additive Manufacturing among students and young talent.
The need to have collaborative platform to develop standards and address upcoming regulatory matters.
The need to establish a joint promotion and messaging platform to stimulate awareness about the benefits of AM among target audiences.

As a starting model for the relaunched 3D Printing Association, we have therefore proposed to the founding Board of 3DPA a âsatelliteâ business model, with three corresponding âProject Forumsâ driven by a âBasicâ membership organisation (see graph).

For the Forums, presently a number of projects are under consideration, such as a best practice case study on 3D printing in education, the identification of safety regulations in Europe applicable to 3D printers and consumables, as well as a plan of action to raise general awareness about Additive Manufacturing.

Organisations active in the Additive Manufacturing industry can now apply for Basic Membership (cost â¬ 250 excl. VAT per annum), and have the option to extend their Basic Membership by applying for one or more of the 3 Project Platforms (additional fee â¬ 500 excl. VAT per Forum pppa), where the actual collaboration between volunteers will take place. For more information see this link.