Compelling customer cases and a crash-course in 3D-printing attracted participants to the headquarters in Solna, Sweden when PostNord invited people to an inspiring day about 3D-printing. Many participants also took the opportunity to ask questions to PostNord’s 3D experts who were present.

At PostNord's 3D Inspiration Day, it was evident that more people are starting to see the possibilities of 3D-printing. Many wanted to hear some of PostNord's clients talk about their experiences. Lena Gordon Murkes, MD Radiology at Karolinska University Hospital in Solna, showed how she and her colleagues are using 3D-print in the healthcare industry when planning operations and procedures.

Andreas Stjernudde, Project Manager Intelligent Trains and Maintenance
talked about how SJ use the technology to produce spare parts that are hard to come by or are no longer in production. This extends both the lifespan of the trains and reduces the time that the vehicles are out of service during repairs.

One of the big news from PostNord was that they had started a collaboration with GKN Additive which allows PostNord's clients to 3D-print in metal. The visitors also received a crash course in 3D-technology to see what it can do.

You don't need any previous knowledge to start production when using PostNord Strålfors' platform 3D Solutions. All that is required is that you create a free account on the portal to access industrial 3D print with a variety of materials, from plastic to metal.

If you don't have any CAD-knowledge, you can contact experts from PostNord Strålfors with the push of a button to help you create just the product you need.

During the day, many visitors also took the opportunity to ask PostNord's 3D experts how the new technology will affect manufacturing and supply chain in the coming years. Two definitive arguments for the future potential of the technology is that by using it, you shorten the lead time while simultaneously reducing the need for warehousing.

With on-demand manufacturing, the producer doesn't run the risk of having unsold wares. As a result it is possible to switch from production of large volumes in low-wage countries to demand-adjusted volumes produced locally. Shorter transports is also desirable from a sustainability perspective.

When the manufacturing industry changes, the channel of distribution goes from the physical to the digital, from global to local. That's also one of the reasons why PostNord is investing in 3D-print. The future is now.