The Optima Additive Innovation Center has been in operation since July 2019 and, after a test phase and staff training, went into production at the end of 2019. It features a 3D printing lab and a training and design area, known as the Innovation Space. Since December 2019, employees undergo training in 3D-compatible design.

The consumer demand for specific products is changing at an ever increasing pace. Social media and e-commerce are accelerating this growth. This affects all the market segments that include pharmaceuticals, paper hygiene, consumer goods and healthcare products. New agile and flexible processes and technology are needed to counter this trend.

In the Additive Innovation Center, all the standard 3D printing methods are used. To produce prototypes quickly, Optima uses the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process, which has been successfully used in the automotive industry for many years, and the selective laser sintering (SLS) process. The SLS process opens up a range of materials, colors and subsequent treatments. A partner company contributes to the team advanced SLS processes with a variety of post-processing options. These include, for example, tinting and smoothing the components. Optima has also invested in the advanced multi-jet fusion technology which enables parts to be produced faster than with the SLS process. The breakthrough of SLS and multi-jet fusion printing technology has paved the way for companies to take 3D printing to an industrial level, far beyond simply creating prototypes.

Optima will be presenting a platform where machine users can order their parts online.

OPTIMA packaging group GmbH
www.optima-packaging.com