North firms scoped for 3D printing applications

Saransh Saxena.

Northland Inc wants to gauge the level of interest in 3D printing and wants to hear from local businesses using or contemplating using the technology.

Information sought from businesses includes:

- What type of 3d printing they are interested in or currently using.

- What innovation and business optimising opportunities are there for 3D printing in Northland.

- What is stopping businesses from using 3D printing technology in their business.

- How has 3D printing been used in the business and what impact has it had.

After collating the information Northland Inc will identify gaps and opportunities around 3D printing.

Northland Inc spokesman Joseph Stuart said 3D printing could be used by a wide variety of businesses, including; engineering horticulture, agriculture, medicine, vetnary science, science and education.

"With this project we aim to engineer a dynamic shift in the way Northland companies deliver to customers and we believe it has the potential to produce very good outcomes."

NorthTec student Saransh Saxena is helping Northland Inc with the project and said he can see enormous commercial opportunities for Northland businesses that want to use 3D-printing applications.

"3D-printing is becoming an essential in engineering, medicine and science in New Zealand and could benefit the Northland economy."

NorthTec lecturer in Project Management, Business Communications and Industry Projects Rob Meadows welcomed the collaborative approach between the tertiary institute and the agency.

"It is great to have one of our students work with Northland Inc on this important project."

He added: "Saransh has the technological knowledge and capability to see this through for the benefit of interested businesses in the region."

Kaipara-based SaltRiver Industries is developing a new format waterjet system for the jet boats it manufactures and found 3D-printing an essential part of their development.

"It has proved to be an effective communication tool," said SaltRiver Industries' Richard Reynolds.

"We are using 3D-printing to reduce the cost associated with traditional foundry tooling, however computer aided design (CAD) skills are required to do anything meaningful with 3D-printing."