An IP cluster around TU Vienna has created three ventures in 3D printing and is ready to talk to more partners, reports an EPO case study

A cluster of 3D printing around the Technical University of Vienna is gaining scale through three ventures: a strategic partnership and two spin-outs. They all originate in a series of questions that Professor Jürgen Stampfl started asking in 3D printing’s early days as a technology in the 2000s. In particular, could its use be extended more creatively to other materials, notably ceramics and then industrial polymers?

First, he had to combine with colleagues in chemistry to develop the materials and then find an industrial partner to explore a novel use of light in the machinery. A partnership was formed with Ivoclar, a dental specialist, which continues to flourish today.