Replique Enhances 3D Printing Material Hub, Expands Production Network With Traditional Technologies

Replique has enriched its Material Hub for 3D printing with metals and enhanced the user experience. The hub now offers a more intuitive experience with a new direct comparison feature, enabling users to easily assess materials side-by-side and quickly choose the best option for their applications. With the addition of metal materials for additive manufacturing (AM), customers can now qualify complex, high-strength parts with precision. Users can browse materials based on specific application requirements and access detailed property data to make informed decisions in a short period of time.

“The integration of metal materials and usability enhancements of our Material Hub represent another step toward democratizing additive manufacturing,” says Jan Weickel, technical sales manager and project manager of the Replique Material Hub. “We are excited to establish new partnerships with metal manufacturers at Formnext who want to make their materials available on our platform.” 

The company has also expanded its Production Network to meet the diverse needs of customers by providing access to additional manufacturing technologies, such as forging, metal casting and injection molding. This expansion gives customers access to more than 250 production partners, enabling them to meet their sourcing needs with even greater flexibility.

“With this expansion, we are responding to our customers’ desire to source all their manufacturing needs — from individual parts to serial production — centrally and using the most suitable technology for each application. This enables companies to quickly adapt to any customer requirements in a complex procurement environment,” says Dr. Max Siebert, Replique CEO and co-founder.

In addition, Replique is also partnering with Zermec Pharma AG (provider of secure powder transfer systems) to  develop a fully 3D printed containment valve, specifically designed to meet the high standards of powder manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies focused on minimizing contamination and enhancing production quality.

“Thanks to the co-engineering with Replique, we were able to prototype the containment valve quickly and effectively,” says Jochen Knoll, Zermec Pharma AG chief customer officer. “From the start of development to the launch at Achema 2024, it took just four months. The material we used is PFAS-free, meets stringent food and pharmaceutical standards, and has sliding properties similar to PTFE. This wouldn’t have been feasible with traditional CNC manufacturing.” 

Replique is also collaborating with RehamedPower, a provider of rehabilitation equipment. Following the successful integration of 3D printing for the RP1 electric wheelchair — from prototyping to full-scale production — it has developed a new rollator with a 3D printed frame. This design not only meets the rising demand for mobility aids that combine style with functionality but also simplifies assembly with fewer parts and connectors.