Under ‘Family of the Future’, the participating companies and research centers are working on three virtual persons that consist of more than ninety 3D-printed components, showing how each of those parts can be deployed in the context of the family – but also the ‘factory’ – of the future. A wide range of techniques will be on display: from printed electronics to components in metal and ceramic materials. The project is being managed by the cluster association for 3D printing in Flanders, Flam3D.

“We want to inspire companies by demonstrating these technologies in a recognizable setting,” explains Pieter Machtelinckx, communications manager at Flam3D. “We hope that visitors will come up with their own ideas and learn something new about 3D printing.”

Family of the Future is a joint project by thirty of the leading companies and research institutions active in the 3D printing industry in Flanders: 3iD, AMT-Titastar, Aqtor!, Arteveldehogeschool, CADskills, Centexbel, DeltaRocket, DSM Somos, ESMA, Formando, GC Europe, Howest, KU Leuven, LCV, Materialise, Raytech, Renishaw, Ricoh, RS Print, Seido Systems, Sirris, Tenco DDM, Thomas More, Twikit, UC Leuven-Limburg, UGent, UHasselt, Velleman, VUB and Vives.