Running payroll is hard in any country, but perhaps especially so in Brazil thanks to consistently changing laws and extremely influential unions that make it significantly harder to get it right. Fernando Gadotti struggled with this as the co-founder and CEO of DogHero, LatAms version of Rover. When Gadotti left the company in 2022, after selling it in 2020, he decided this is where he wanted to focus next.Every time the payroll came around, theres just a struggle, like its dreadful, many hours, just like double-checking data back and forth, and we couldnt really get any insight that we needed, Gadotti told TechCrunch. [We were] pretty much working in the dark, and as we kept growing, it hit me that these problems really werent just inconvenient; theyre actually slowing the company down. Were wasting a lot of time in busy work.Just a few months after leaving DogHero, Gadotti started working on So Paulo-based Tako, an employee life cycle platform that automates tasks like onboarding and payroll to save companies time and bring all their employee information into one place. Tako also provides employees with a dashboard to view information and access an interactive paystub meant to increase transparency.Gadotti said that while there are U.S. legacy payroll companies operating in Brazil, like ADP, it makes sense to have a local solution because Brazils payment system is quite unique. He said laws around payroll change frequently. There are also 10,000 unions companies often have employees in more than one, he said that update their rules a few times a year, too, and sometimes have more power than the actual laws.Tako uses an LLM (large language model) to keep up with these constant changes. The LLM ingests the labor law and union law data and digests it so Takos developers can keep the code base up-to-date. He said they want to keep humans in the loop to ensure accuracy, but having the LLM get a head start saves a lot of time.Tako launched its product in 2023. Gadotti said that the company processed tens of millions of dollars in payroll as its been operating in stealth but declined to share more details on its customers. Gadotti said the company is currently targeting mid-market white-collar companies with between 100 and 500 employees in the professional and financial service categories.The strategy we took is that we are not trying to boil the ocean, Gadotti said. We want to start in a segment we know before venturing into industrials or more complex areas. We are starting in more simpler segments; as the company evolves, we are going to more complex segments in the future.Tako is emerging from stealth with a sizable $13.2 million seed round co-led by Ribbit Capital and Andreessen Horowitz. The round also included ONEVC and the founders of Ramp. Gadotti said the company plans to put the majority of capital toward research and development in addition to doubling or tripling headcount on its R&D team.There are a lot of potential areas that Tako could expand into in the future, like the vast world of employee benefits. Gadotti said the company does plan to expand as it grows into building more features like instant payments.In addition to competing with legacy companies like ADP, there are multiple other HR tech startups in the country like Gupy and Caju, which are both more focused on other areas within HR and employee management. But if Tako expands into these areas, which it likely will, these companies could also become strong competitors.The name Tako is Japanese for octopus, which Gadotti said is how he thinks about the business. Takos platform is meant to be the brain of employee data with its tentacles reaching out into different areas of employee management.We want to focus on the whole employee life cycle, Gadotti said. We are constantly listening to our customers pain points and where they want us to help them on.

Tis the season for a new Kevin the Carrot holiday advert! Since its inception in 2016, Aldi and McCann Manchester have collaborated each year with industry powerhouse Psyop, with fans looking to the annual release as the initiator of the most wonderful time of the year.Created in association with Riff Raff Films, this years installment sends the viewer on a caper braving the broiler, precarious mince pies, and other cuisine-related boobie traps as Kevin and Katie try to save the Festive Spirit from the nefarious thieves at Humbug Headquarters. Concluding with yet another feather in Kevins cap, the Festive Spirit is set free and fills empty tables with holiday feasts underscoring the ever-present message of celebrating the cheer of community and the magic of bringing families together.Enjoy!Last years Kevin and the Christmas Factory was named 2023s most effective ad, according to System1s data, although the latest installment may be the teams most ambitious chapter yet.Kevin the Carrots world just keeps getting juicier, and the team at McCann and Aldi are the zest we need to keep things fresh as we cook up new ways to expand the Kevin-verse, said Psyop directors Todd Mueller and Kylie Matulick. With a decade of Kevin marinating in all our minds, hes got so much more room to sprout! Were ready to serve up more flavor-filled adventures and show just how far Kevin can peel ahead! Kevin the Carrot is more than a character; hes become a cherished tradition and a holiday icon, added Psyop EP Jim Brattin. Each year, were inspired to create something even more memorable, and this seasons film is truly our most enchanting yet"Brattin executive produces, while Amy Fahl produces. VFX are created by Cristina Camacho, Steve Hallquist, and Billy Morris. Thomas Sali crafted the 2D animation, with Matthias Bauerle serving as 2D supervisor.Source: Psyop Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologistL'Wrenbrings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.

Movie & Games TrailersMufasa: The Lion KingBy Vincent Frei - 11/11/2024 Journey back to the Pride Lands with Mufasa: The Lion King! Dive into the untold story of Simbas legendary father and witness his rise from a humble cub to the most beloved king!The Animation and VFX are made by:MPC (VFX Supervisor: Audrey Ferrara)The Production VFX Supervisor is Adam Valdez.Director: Barry JenkinsRelease Date: December 20, 2024 (USA) Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2024

Movie & Games TrailersMufasa: The Lion KingBy Vincent Frei - 11/11/2024 Journey back to the Pride Lands with Mufasa: The Lion King! Dive into the untold story of Simbas legendary father and witness his rise from a humble cub to the most beloved king!The Animation and VFX are made by:MPC (VFX Supervisor: Audrey Ferrara)The Production VFX Supervisor is Adam Valdez.Director: Barry JenkinsRelease Date: December 20, 2024 (USA) Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2024

Throwing A Snowball With MPMWe havent forgotten about the other big addition to Houdini with 20.5: The MPM solver! So to get into the holiday spirits, let s simulate a snowball. In this video, were covering the full process from simulation, to postprocessing and finally to rendering.Liked it? Take a second to support Christopher Kopic on Patreon!

Throwing A Snowball With MPMWe havent forgotten about the other big addition to Houdini with 20.5: The MPM solver! So to get into the holiday spirits, let s simulate a snowball. In this video, were covering the full process from simulation, to postprocessing and finally to rendering.Liked it? Take a second to support Christopher Kopic on Patreon!

Aridditive, a Barcelona-based startup specializing in 3D printing of precast concrete, has successfully closed a 500,000 Pre-Seed funding round, led by BeAble Capital with participation from Suma Capital. The company, which spun off from the Universitat Politcnica de Catalunya (UPC) and CIM UPC, aims to drive digitalization, automation, and sustainability within the construction sector. With this fresh investment and additional support from ACCIs Startup Capital, Aridditive plans to advance its concrete 3D printing technology, promising to transform traditional construction processes.Founded on over a decade of research, Aridditives mission is to accelerate concrete productions shift toward digital processes that optimize every stage of building. Its unique 3D printing technology produces digital twins of precast components, fully automating production while minimizing material waste and energy consumption. With its new funding, the company aims to launch proof-of-concept trials by the end of 2024, with plans for a market debut at a prominent event in spring 2025.Aridditive founders : Roger Uceda & Arnau Cumelles. Photo via Aridditive.Roger Uceda, CEO of Aridditive, credits this milestone to the solid support from UPC and their investment partners. This funding round enables us to take decisive steps in validating our technology and advancing our mission to digitalize and make the construction sector more sustainable, he remarked. Co-founder Arnau Cumelles noted that these developments would showcase the companys potential to redefine precast concrete manufacturing in 2025.With a specialization in early-stage Deep Science investments, BeAble Capital is recognized for bringing cutting-edge industrial technologies from the lab to commercial viability. This latest investment aligns with the firms strategic focus on transformative technologies. Partner Alberto Daz expressed confidence in Aridditives potential: A pioneering technology in 3D printing of concrete, Aridditive is scalable and capable of redefining a key industry like construction, with significant benefits for sustainability and efficiency.Suma Capital, known for prioritizing sustainable investments, regards Aridditives approach as an opportunity to drive an eco-conscious shift in construction practices. Partner Josep Miquel Torregrosa emphasized Sumas commitment to projects that enhance environmental impact. He sees Aridditives technology as a bridge toward efficient, low-impact construction models.Aridditive Logo. Photo via Aridditive.Sustainable Advances in Concrete 3D PrintingThe construction industry faces pressure to innovate amid concerns over concretes environmental footprint. A recent study from ETH Zurich introduced Impact Printing, a new robotic construction technique using Earth-based materials like sand and clay to create structures without cement. Designed as an alternative to traditional concrete methods, this approach reduces CO emissions by using local, recyclable materials and minimizes the need for cement, which is responsible for nearly 8% of global emissions.Simultaneously, researchers at the University of Virginia (UVA) have explored the use of graphene-enhanced concrete to improve strength and sustainability in 3D printed construction. By incorporating graphene nanoplatelets, UVAs team found that the modified concrete achieves a 23% increase in compressive strength and a 31% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional mixtures. These developments underscore a broader shift toward sustainable building materials, positioning Aridditives innovations within an industry moving away from emissions-intensive practices.This visualisation shows layers of graphene used for membranes. Image via University of Manchester.Your voice matters in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards. Vote Now!What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.Featured image shows Aridditives Logo. Photo via Aridditive.

Researchers from Ritsumeikan University and the University of Science and Technology Beijing, have developed an advanced edge-highlighting method aimed at enhancing the clarity of visualized 3D scanned objects.Led by Professor Satoshi Tanaka and involving key team members Ms. Yuri Yamada, Dr. Satoshi Takatori, and Prof. Liang Li, the groups innovative approach addresses common visualization issues by separately emphasizing sharp and soft edges in complex point cloud data, overcoming limitations seen in traditional methods. Published in Remote Sensing, these findings promise clearer representations of intricate 3D objects, particularly useful for preserving and studying cultural artifacts.Explaining the researchs broader significance, Prof. Tanaka notes, Our 3D edge extraction approach is not merely an improvement but rather an extended technique that captures areas not covered by traditional methods. For archaeologists and historians, this tool opens new possibilities for specialized visual analysis of cultural heritage objects. For the general public, it offers a deeper understanding of historical cultural sites, serving as a technology for enhancing exhibitions in museums and art galleries.Dual 3D edge extraction for 3D scanned point cloud data of the cave of the Zuigan-ji Buddhism temple in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Image via Ritsumeikan University.Advancing cultural heritage visualization through enhanced 3D scansWith the rapid advancements in 3D scanning, especially through photogrammetry and laser scanning, researchers can now produce accurate digital representations of complex objects, including cultural artifacts, as detailed point cloud data. These scans allow for an in-depth analysis of structural details but can present challenges in visualization, as traditional edge-highlighting methods often produce excessive lines that reduce visual clarity.To address these challenges, the team developed a dual-edge highlighting approach. This dual-edge extraction technique uses separate thresholds to distinguish sharp edges from softer, rounded ones.Sharper edges are identified through high-curvature zones, while soft edges, essential in rounded or subtler contours, are represented with a secondary threshold. By applying distinct visualization techniques to each, the team captures a fuller range of details without the clutter or thickness that can occur when soft edges are visualized as wide bands.Opacity color gradation further enhances visualization by introducing a color and transparency gradient within soft edges, creating a halo effect that naturally distinguishes front and background edges. Depth perception is thus markedly improved, allowing intricate internal structures to be observed more clearly.To achieve this efficient rendering, the team used stochastic point-based rendering (SPBR), a technique that enables real-time visualization without the intensive depth sorting typically required in 3D processing.In testing, the technique was applied to high-value cultural heritage sites, including Japans Tamaki Shinto Shrine and Indonesias Borobudur Temple.Compared to traditional edge-highlighting, the dual-edge method provided enhanced visual clarity, accurately representing both exterior and interior structures without increasing computation times. The halo effect and edge-thinning significantly clarified intricate details, proving essential for preserving cultural heritage objects.Interactive rendering speeds ensure the techniques functionality for real-time exploration, supporting applications like see-through visualization. Rather than relying on standard transparency, this method uses edge clarity to bring internal structures into view without losing visual depth, a significant improvement in comprehensibility.Future enhancements will focus on refining threshold-setting processes and expanding color gradation pathways to further detail subtle features.Plans to incorporate machine learning into this technique aim to combine 3D restorations with information from sharp and soft edges, particularly beneficial in digitally reconstructing artifacts recorded in 2D formats.This new visualization approach opens a valuable pathway in 3D scanning applications, offering researchers sharper tools for digital preservation, analysis, and exploration of cultural heritage with unprecedented clarity and depth.Dual 3D edge extraction for 3D scanned point clouds of wall reliefs in the Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO Worlds Cultural Heritage, in Indonesia. Image via Ritsumeikan University.Novel 3D scanning approaches for cultural preservationOver the years, various developments have been reported in the 3D scanning for cultural preservation, highlighting the technologys potential. Back in 2022, Ukrainian activists began using 3D scanning to digitally preserve cultural heritage sites endangered by Russian military actions.Through the Backup Ukraine initiative, around 6,000 volunteers used the Polycam app to capture 3D models of monuments and historical sites, safeguarding them against potential destruction. Launched by co-creator Tao Thomsen in partnership with UNESCO and Blue Shield Denmark, the initiative quickly expanded as volunteers documented war damage across Ukraine. UNESCO reported significant destruction to religious and historical sites, underscoring the urgent need for digital preservation to protect Ukraines cultural legacy.Previously in 2018, In 2018, Google collaborated with CyArk, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving historical sites at risk from conflict or natural disasters, to launch the Open Heritage project on Google Arts & Culture.Through CyArks 3D laser scanning expertise, this project generates highly detailed models of cultural landmarks, accessible via Googles platform. Using advanced techniques like LiDAR and photogrammetry, CyArk achieves millimeter-level precision, supporting future restoration efforts. As Google Arts & Cultures first venture into 3D heritage sites, Open Heritage also provides model data for developers interested in creating immersive and educational experiences around these digital artifacts.Voting is now open for the2024 3D Printing Industry Awards.Want to share insights on key industry trends and the future of 3D printing? Register now to be included in the2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey.What 3D printing trends do the industry leaders anticipate this year?What does the Future of 3D printing hold for the next 10 years?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows dual 3D edge extraction for 3D scanned point cloud data of the cave of the Zuigan-ji Buddhism temple in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Image via Ritsumeikan University.Ada ShaikhnagWith a background in journalism, Ada has a keen interest in frontier technology and its application in the wider world. Ada reports on aspects of 3D printing ranging from aerospace and automotive to medical and dental.

Australian metal 3D printer manufacturer SPEE3D is introducing its novel Expeditionary Manufacturing Unit (EMU) at Formnext 2024 from November 19-22.This system offers a mobile solution that enables maritime and defense industries to produce essential metal parts on-site, even in remote and challenging environments. Designed to streamline supply chains, the EMU facilitates rapid printing, post-processing, and validation of high-quality metal components exactly where theyre needed, reducing dependence on lengthy logistics and cutting lead times.Visitors can witness the EMUs capabilities, including live demonstrations of the XSPEE3D printer producing metal parts on-site and the latest Nickel Aluminium Bronze (NAB) materials developed with the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Commands SUBSAFE program, at Booth C.01, Hall 12.0. According to the company, this offers a firsthand look at how SPEE3Ds technology transforms operational readiness.EMU in the bush SPEE3Dcell (left) and XSPEE3D (right). Photo via SPEE3D.Comprehensive and mobile manufacturing solutionAccording to the company, the EMU combines the XSPEE3D high-speed metal 3D printer with the SPEE3Dcell post-processing unit within two ruggedized containers, providing a fully transportable setup deployable by truck, ship, or aircraft.Capable of producing large, dense metal parts up to 40 kgs, this system operates in a wide range of materials, including Nickel Aluminium Bronze (NAB), copper, and stainless steel, meeting the durability and corrosion-resistance needs of maritime applications. Moreover, SPEE3Dcell complements the 3D printer with dual heat treatment furnaces, a CNC mill, and testing tools, ensuring seamless on-site processing and quality control.Army soldier removes finished heat-treated Clutch Slave Cylinder from SPEE3Dcell furnace. Photo via SPEE3D.Utilizing SPEE3Ds patented cold spray additive manufacturing (CSAM) process, the EMU binds metal powder into dense, high-strength parts at speeds of up to 100 gms per minute, eliminating traditional casting delays.With NAB as a durable and corrosion-resistant material, SPEE3Ds EMU can produce a 15-kilogram (33-pound) propeller housing in just 4.5 hours, with heat treatment and machining completed within an additional 20 hours. In under 24 hours, maritime operators have a ready-to-use part, providing a rapid alternative to traditional casting methods.Army soldier in CNC and tooling area of the SPEE3Dcell for newly finished Clutch Slave Cylinder. Photo via SPEE3D.SPEE3Ds results in defense trialsSPEE3Ds EMU has undergone extensive testing and successful deployments across multiple defense forces, demonstrating its adaptability and reliability in diverse environments.In the US, the EMU was used during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 exercise with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), where it provided on-demand part production capabilities in remote settings, showcasing a significant reduction in equipment downtime and logistical costs associated with traditional supply chains.Elsewhere in the UK, the British Army tested the EMU during the AM Village exercise, validating its use in rugged field conditions and highlighting the systems potential for supporting extended operations by eliminating reliance on distant manufacturing facilities.Army soldier reviewing GWagon Alternator Shield print from XSPEE3D. Photo via SPEE3D.Defense forces in Ukraine and Japan also integrated the EMU into their operations, where the technology proved essential for maintaining readiness under various operational demands.For Ukraine, the ability to produce critical replacement parts directly in the field reduced the need for complex logistics, while Japans defense forces benefited from the EMUs rapid production capabilities, which helped address urgent repair needs in maritime settings.Each of these trials underscored the EMUs unique advantage in producing critical components on-site, allowing defense organizations to maintain operational readiness and minimize downtime.Catch up on all the news from Formnext 2024.Voting is now open for the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards.Want to share insights on key industry trends and the future of 3D printing? Register now to be included in the 2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey.What 3D printing trends do the industry leaders anticipate this year?What does the Future of 3D printing hold for the next 10 years?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows EMU in the bush SPEE3Dcell (left) and XSPEE3D (right). Photo via SPEE3D.

According to Thomas Batigne, Lynxters application-based approach unlocks significant growth opportunities within the competitive polymer 3D printer landscape.In a recent conversation with 3D printing Industry, Batigne, the companys CEO, highlighted the importance of addressing customer needs and meeting specific user demands. This approach has enabled the French 3D printer manufacturer to achieve 140% growth over the past year alone.Batigne also outlined the firms multi-pronged product strategy, which sees it offer modular 3D printers and dedicated IDEX systems alongside customer-specific white-label solutions. The latter addresses applications spanning 3D printed medication to reusable aerospace coatings masks.Additionally, he explained how Lynxters user-friendly 3D printing software makes high-quality 3D printing more accessible and discussed Lynxters efforts to expand its global reach to North America and beyond.During the discussion, Batigne identified key market trends and shared his vision for the future of 3D printing. He warned against the emergence of AI-gimmicks and detailed how Lynxter is capitalizing on a maturing industry which is transitioning from novelty to necessity. He also discussed whether the 3D printing industry is consolidating, countering the narrative that recent M&A activity reflects a difficult period that might not be a constructive consolidation yet, but a potential fertile ground for it in the upcoming years.Thomas Batigne, Lynxters CEO. Photo via Lynxter.Lynxters 3D printer portfolioLynxters dual-pronged product approach seeks to meet the evolving needs of the additive manufacturing market. The company offers a modular 3D printing solution as well as dedicated 3D printers optimized for high-productivity production.The former, Lynxters S600D 3D printer, features quick-change tool head capabilities, allowing users to switch between different nozzles for different materials in a matter of minutes. Designed for research and development applications, the S600D is optimized for those exploring new processes and materials and requiring flexibility. The modular 3D printer is notable for its compatibility with Lynxters tool heads for various filaments (FIL11), pastes (PAS11), and liquids such as silicone (LIQ21).Today, some people use the S600D to print materials weve never seen or even envisioned, explained Batigne. He noted that the range of applications for this platform is broad, as customers increasingly integrate third-party modifications to enhance its capabilities.On the other hand, Lynxter also offers specialized extrusion systems for customers seeking a straightforward, turnkey production-grade 3D printer for serial production. Leveraging Dual Extruder (IDEX) technology, these 3D printers include the S300X LIQ21 | LIQ11 and the recently announced S300X FIL11 | FIL11.Launched in 2022, the S300X LIQ21 | LIQ11 stands out for its compatibility with industrial and medical-grade silicones and polyurethanes. This makes it ideal for the production of dampers, seals, skin contact-ready orthoses, functionalized textiles and surface treatment masking devices.The S300X FIL11 | FIL11, set to be officially unveiled at Formnext 2024, is designed to process industrial thermoplastics. It boasts 10,000 mm/s acceleration and 24 mm3/s extrusion capacity, unlocking high-speed, dual-material 3D printing.According to Batigne, the decision to transition from the delta architecture of the S600D to IDEX 3D printing was driven by its application, speed, and cost advantages. He believes tool head independence offers users flexibility without sacrificing productivity. For instance, duplication mode, which simultaneously fabricates two identical parts, instantly doubles 3D printing speeds.Lynxters 3D printer portfolio. Image via Lynxter.Lynxters application-based 3D printersBatigne also outlined how the company collaborates with customers to develop application-based, white-label 3D printers.The approach sees Lynxter take on projects that align with its roadmap, skill sets, and core interests. It empowers the company to place its technology in the hands of experts who can customize it to meet their unique needs. People dont buy a 3D printer; they buy a solution for their problem, added Batigne.The CEO highlighted the pharmaceutical sector as a prime example. Lynxter recently partnered with healthcare firm MB Therapeutics to develop a bespoke system for 3D printing personalized medicine for children. The MED-U Modular and MED-U Prod 3D printers are based on Lynxters S600D and S300X systems. They can 3D print various rheologies like gel or paste, and are compatible with thermosensitive active ingredients. The specialized systems can produce customized medication with individually adjusted dosages, shapes and sizes, meeting individual patient needs.Lynxter has also targeted the aerospace sector by developing solutions for surface treatment. Batigne explained that using masking tape when painting large parts is inefficient and can damage surface quality. 3D printing custom custom plugs from an elastomeric material offers a reusable, time-saving alternative.Lynxter 3D printed applications. Image via Lynxter.Streamlining 3D printing softwareOn the software front, Lynxter offers HUB, its 3D printing platform designed to simplify machine control, documentation, and user interaction. Developed with ease of use in mind, HUB integrates interactive documentation directly on the 3D printer, centralizing key data and information in one place.According to Batigne, Lynxters software expands the companys addressable market. We move from just targeting additive manufacturing enthusiasts to opening up usage for nearly everyone. He added that HUB turns Lynxters industrial 3D printers into a convenience printer by removing the need for knowledge around print preparation and slicing. It also provides easy-to-follow instructions for key functions like feeding materials and cleaning the nozzle, lowering the barrier to entry to additive manufacturing.Lynxter is working to expand the features available on HUB over the next year. Batigne teased that the company will introduce new capabilities for fleet management, allowing manufacturers to streamline operations and manage multiple units efficiently. The company also plans to add tools for resellers, enabling them to utilize HUB for customer support to keep teams in sync with machine diagnostics.Lynxter remains committed to maintaining an open yet straightforward system for its machines. Targeting users who just want a straightforward approach, Batigne emphasized that the companys 3D printers are manufacturing systems and therefore should not be closed.Close-up of a Lynxter silicone 3D printer. Photo via Lynxter.Targeting international expansionBatigne discussed Lynxters international growth trajectory, with the company set to build on its existing presence in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. The companys main expansion goals include strengthening its presence in Germany and further investing in North America.In Germany, Batigne sees potential for exponential growth, describing it as a dynamic market where Lynxter aims to establish a larger footprint. He called it a neighbors market where they dont have many machines, but the potential is great.Elsewhere, Batigne stated that Lynxter has really great partners in North America. He added that these partners allow us to see significant growth without investing a lot. The company is working to sustain this growth by having more Lynxter people on site over there.Batigne acknowledged the challenges in scaling globally. Establishing the right local partnerships has been crucial while ensuring consistent customer experience across regions is also a priority.Lynxter has also implemented initiatives like reseller days and streamlined communication channels to unify its global network. If a customer in California buys a printer, they should have the same positive experience as a customer in France, he explained. Since launching these initiatives earlier this year, the company has improved partner engagement and customer satisfaction. It plans to continue refining this approach into 2025.Lynxters IDEX 3D printing technology. Photo via Lynxter.Is the 3D printing industry consolidating?Nano Dimensions efforts to acquire Desktop Metal and Markforged have raised questions about the level of 3D printing industry consolidation. Contrary to some narratives, Batigne argued that the sector is not undergoing significant consolidation. Instead, he believes it is purging companies that lack market adaptability.According to Batigne, true consolidation adds value to the customer through the strategic merger of important players with a smart product portfolio. He stated that recent activity has mostly seen larger companies buying failing entities at low costs.Therefore, current mergers and acquisitions, Batigne suggests, represent the purge of the second generationa necessary filtering of companies unable to address real market needs. He believes this process will identify which companies have actual roots within the real market.How will Lynxter approach mergers and acquisitions over the next three to five years? According to Batigne, the company will focus on enhancing its ecosystem for customer benefit rather than accumulating competitors and technologies that dont serve its core mission.Industry trends and the future of 3D printing at LynxterBatigne approaches industry trends with skepticism. In the face of what he calls AI gimmicks and super-high-speed claims that do not add real value, Lynxter is pursuing a pragmatic strategy. The company is prioritizing functional advancements over hype, offering useful features (powered with AI or not) and high-speed 3D printing preserving final parts and machine durability only where they truly benefit the application.Batigne believes the 3D printing industry is transitioning from novelty to necessity, reflecting a key period of market maturity. He remarked, AM isnt cool anymoreits useful, with players who focus purely on technology without having a clear application strategy likely to fail. For the upcoming five years, we will keep growing, he added, highlighting that there remains a substantial market to exploit in terms of applications and territory.While Lynxter has various new products in development, it will selectively introduce them based on specific market demands. The company reportedly still has new extrusion technologies in the pipeline. We have not exploited all of our R&D, explained Batigne. We still have a lot of things we havent commercialized, and we are just waiting for the right moment, right vehicle, and right application to release them.In terms of future 3D printing materials, Lynxter plans to expand its product range with a deep dive into elastomer materials. Batigne identified how various thermoplastics have certifications for specific applications. However, this does not currently exist in the AM elastomeric market (ie. electrostatic discharge (ESD), FDA, flame retardancy).Batigne explained, For example, if you want an ESD-capable polyurethane material for a true elastomeric 3D printer, you cant find it. To address this gap in the market, Lynxter material scientists are working with their partners to support customers targeting specific elastomeric 3D printing.Who are the leaders in additive manufacturing? Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!Want to share insights on key industry trends and the future 3D printing? Register now to be included in the 2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey.What does the future of 3D printing hold?What near-term 3D printing trends have been highlighted by industry experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows Lynxters silicone 3D printing. Photo via Lynxter.