2024-10-25 13:19:00
After ten years, Neil van Es, Chief in Geek of 3D printing end parts for machine building”>Parts on Demand, believes that we can still make things smarter, better and more efficiently in the Netherlands. “The way we always did something is no longer the smartest way today,” he told participants in the celebration of 10 years of Parts on Demand – Print Present Future – to take home as a key take away.
Referring to the book Sea lettuce and Alice’s spoons (by the Iranian-Dutch writer Kader Abdolah), after ten years of Parts on Demand, Neil van Es also feels a bit like the 20 artists, scientists and inventors who talk about their dreams in the book. “No matter how bad things may be, they always have a goal on the horizon,” says Neil. You cannot change the Dutch manufacturing industry without a fight. Keeping production local, fast and flexible is also not always easy.
Continue to proclaim faith
That has been the dream and dot on the horizon of the founder of for ten years Parts on Demand. Trying to make products better, smarter and more efficient and 3D printing offers the possibilities for this. A dot that has gotten a little closer every day over the past ten years, but which is still far away for many companies, as became clear during the panel discussion at the start of the meeting at the Utrecht 3D printing company. This is mainly due to a lack of knowledge, which emerges in the discussion between a number of stakeholders from the Dutch manufacturing industry. “We have believers but also many heretics that we need to convince,” says Kris Binon, director at software developer and AM consultancy AMIS. You must therefore make the technology accessible in the company, suggests Bas Roelofs, engineer and 3D specialist at Machinefabriek Geurtsen, where 3D printing is integrated into the way of thinking about solutions for customers.
Parts on Demand introduces black PA12 fiberglass filled through and through, based on the residual flow of the powder industry
Fourth Industrial Revolution
Parts on Demand is building the fourth industrial revolution, as Neil van Es puts it, in a place that was the cradle for the second industrial revolution in the Netherlands more than 100 years ago, Werkspoor in Utrecht. The train sets were made and repaired here. “With Parts on Demand we bring a piece of the manufacturing industry back into the building and we try to make it local and flexible,” says Van Es. He has two news for the participants of the event. First of all, PA12 glass fiber filled black powder, our own material development for parts in mechanical engineering that need to be more wear-resistant. The new material has recently been released for production and is largely made from a residual stream from the powder industry.
Expansion to supply CNC parts
The second innovation at Parts on Demand is the delivery of CNC milling and turning parts. “We believe that the industry can use good service. Our customers benefit from a smarter way of outsourcing machining parts,” says Neil van Es. An extra branch, in addition to the local 3D printing of parts, which remains the core task. Because after ten years it is still the dream of Neil and his team to make products for the Dutch industry smarter, better and more flexible.
You can soon read more about the panel discussion during Print, Present, Future here.
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Interview with Neil van Es, Chief in Geek of Parts on Demand
Editor: Neil, congratulations on the 10th anniversary of Parts on Demand! You mentioned that “the way we always did something is no longer the smartest way today.” Can you elaborate on what you mean by this?
Neil van Es: Thank you! What I mean is that we need to be willing to rethink our processes and adapt to new technologies. Ten years ago, when we started, the manufacturing landscape was vastly different. Innovations like 3D printing allow us to create smarter and more efficient products, but we have to challenge traditional methods that may no longer serve us well.
Editor: You refer to the book “Sea Lettuce and Alice’s Spoons” to describe having a vision, despite challenges. How does this perspective influence your work at Parts on Demand?
Neil van Es: That book captures the essence of perseverance and dreaming big. Just as the characters in the book hold onto their visions, we at Parts on Demand are dedicated to pushing boundaries and keeping production local, fast, and flexible. It’s vital to maintain faith in our goals, even when the journey is tough.
Editor: You mentioned a disconnect within the Dutch manufacturing industry regarding the adoption of new technologies. What do you see as the major barriers?
Neil van Es: The lack of knowledge is a significant issue. Many companies are still hesitant to embrace 3D printing and other technologies because they don’t fully understand their potential. We have a mixture of believers and skeptics — and it’s essential to educate stakeholders about how these solutions can streamline their processes and improve outcomes.
Editor: Parts on Demand is described as being part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. What does this mean for the future of manufacturing in the Netherlands?
Neil van Es: We are witnessing a fundamental shift in how we conceive and create products. The Fourth Industrial Revolution emphasizes automation, data exchange, and advanced manufacturing methods. For the Netherlands, this means building on our strong industrial history while innovating for a sustainable and efficient future. We need to embrace these changes to maintain our competitive edge.
Editor: what’s next for Parts on Demand in the coming years?
Neil van Es: We will continue to innovate and expand our capabilities, particularly in 3D printing. Our recent introduction of black PA12 fiberglass filled material from industrial residual flows is just one example of how we’re pushing forward. It’s about creating more sustainable options and convincing industries to come along with us on this journey.
Editor: Thank you, Neil, for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing how Parts on Demand will continue to shape the future of manufacturing.
T’s our job to bridge that gap. To move forward, we need to make these technologies accessible and demonstrate how they can enhance efficiency and productivity. Education and support are critical in changing mindsets.
Editor: You also spoke about your new innovations, like the PA12 fiberglass filled material and the expansion into CNC parts. Can you tell us more about these developments?
Neil van Es: Absolutely! Our PA12 fiberglass filled material is a game changer for mechanical engineering, offering greater wear resistance. It’s made from a residual stream from the powder industry, which not only improves performance but also supports sustainability. Additionally, our foray into CNC milling and turning parts allows us to provide a comprehensive service. We aim to be a one-stop-shop for our clients, enhancing their outsourcing capabilities while keeping everything local.
Editor: As you celebrate this milestone, what is your vision for the future of Parts on Demand and the Dutch manufacturing industry?
Neil van Es: My dream remains the same: to create smarter, better, and more flexible manufacturing solutions. We are at the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution, and it’s essential to integrate innovation into our DNA. I hope to see more companies embracing local production and modern technologies, ultimately transforming the way we think about manufacturing in the Netherlands. There’s still a long way to go, but we’re making progress every day.
Editor: Thank you, Neil, for sharing your insights and vision. It’s exciting to see how Parts on Demand is redefining manufacturing in the Netherlands!
Neil van Es: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share our journey and aspirations for a smarter future.
