3D printers · Success stories
TechnoHub Manufacturing: 3D Printing and the Future of Prototyping and Manufacturing Processes
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Although 3D printing still seems like something out of the realm of "science fiction" to many, this technology is already making its presence felt more and more in various manufacturing workshops across the country.
The reason?
The ever-increasing need to create mockups and prototypes as quickly as possible to keep up with an ever-expanding commercial environment.
One such example is TechnoHub Manufacturing, an integrated design, engineering, manufacturing and production center in Timișoara, which uses 3D printing equipment provided by IRIS Robotics.
In this article, we are pleased to present you an interview with the founder Matei Ungureanu, who created TechnoHub Manufacturing as a solution to a problem encountered since college, related to the production process of architectural models.IRIS Robotics: What is TechnoHub Timișoara? How did the idea come about, and what is your contribution to its development?
M.U.: “TechnoHub Manufacturing is a technical hub, as the name indicates, born from the desire to provide an answer for any technical problem, be it production, prototyping, engineering, design or manufacturing.The idea of a TechnoHub arose from the lack of a workshop of this kind, which I wanted very much during the faculty of architecture, where the creation of architectural models was a strict necessity. Then, it supported itself with the various projects that I was and am part of. Realizing projects, from drawing, design, prototype and manufacturing is a difficult process to achieve when all processes take place in different places.
TechnoHub Manufacturing proposes a single space to host all these activities, under one roof. A production hall, One floor of offices, several manufacturing workshops."IRIS Robotics: What do you think is the role of technology in general?
M.U.: "Personally, I believe that technology helps us in any process of learning and creation, be it technical, educational, artistic, or other. Through technology and with its help, we learn and evolve continuously."IRIS Robotics: In an ideal world, how would you use technology in the makerspace/hackerspace? And what would you most like to achieve with it?
M.U.: "I don't believe in a world like this, there will always be setbacks and difficulties for various reasons.But trying to imagine one, I'd probably stay focused on design, prototyping and production, not worrying about a market anymore, with things clearly set.
In this ideal world, probably everyone would have a clearly defined place and know their duties in detail, things, in this case, going by themselves, without delays and gaps due to lack of knowledge or professionalism."IRIS Robotics: What do you think are the main obstacles that have prevented you over time from achieving this ideal?
M.U.: "Mainly, one of the biggest obstacles was the desire to be involved in too many projects at the same time and the impossibility of being able to give up any of them, which is the main reason for the "delay" to where and the level I would like to be at this moment. Then, as obstacles, there were the lack of qualified staff and the problems that arise with that, the hectic times, but also other reasons that I'm sure can be found very easily."IRIS Robotics: What was the impact of these new technologies? How did the community react? Who most frequently works with this equipment within the space?
M.U.: "The technologies at this hub's disposal are more diversified and this has always been a plus compared to possible competitors.These were already somewhat known when I began the serious work, but using them simultaneously was an entirely new process.
The community and the public have mostly reacted well and with enthusiasm when it comes to technology. The problem was that everyone wanted to be "free go charge". But, little by little, we managed to find a middle way.
Currently, our clientele is diversified, from 3D model factories in the UK, to light advertisements, projects and various prints, in the country.
I mention that here I include all the technologies at our disposal and I do not limit myself to 3D Print.”
We make a small parenthesis here. The technologies that TechnoHub use are: CNC, FDM, SLM and UV print.- CNC - it's a milling machine.
- FDM - is a printing technology (Fused Filament Printing) based on filament.
- SLM - Selective laser melting, a technology integrated on 3d printing equipment, and the main material is a powder and when printing it uses a laser/light beam to deposit the material in layers.
- UV print - a technology with which you can print on various objects and materials.
IRIS Robotics: Did you have experience with 3D printing technology before purchasing the equipment?
M.U.: "Very little. I had 2 Chinese printers together with a college colleague. Afterwards, he remained focused more on 3D Print, and I left for others."IRIS Robotics: how did you find the training process?
M.U.: "Very easy, from ordering, receiving, commissioning and learning. Tech support was very helpful."IRIS Robotics: What plans do you have for the future TechnoHub Timișoara?
M.U.: "TechnoHub Manufacturing is on an upward development line, and the plan is to maintain this line. An easy rise indeed, but Rome was not built in a day either. "We are continuously learning from all projects, and in the future, the desire is to open TechnoHub Manufacturing in more cities with the possibility of franchising. This is a long-term plan, but, from my point of view, achievable.”IRIS Robotics: Would you recommend the technologies and services offered by IRIS Robotics?
M.U.: "Yes, of course, I was very satisfied with the collaboration so far and why not, I look confidently towards a future collaboration, speaking of other equipment."In Conclusion
As Matei tells us, perhaps the situation will never be an "ideal" one.But this is precisely what challenges us to find solutions for the problems we encounter, regardless of the field of activity.
At IRIS Robotics, we support all entrepreneurs who fight for innovation and technology, and who create, "little by little" the future for all of us.
We thank Matei for the interview, and wish him success in his work at TechnoHub Manufacturing.
For more details about the products and services offered by IRIS Robotics, you can schedule a discussion with our specialists by filling out the form below.
