Smart Molding International 2-2021

3D printing 39 www.smart-molding.com time, and position their products in a similar way to large corporations”. In the industrial manufacturing sec - tor, this technique facilitates the pro - duction of high precision tools, fixtures and accessories in a short time using technical materials very similar to parts manufactured with traditional manu - facturing methods. In the field of healthcare, 3D printing is also revolutionizing modern medi - cine by making it possible to recreate replicas of organs and bones of the body with great precision. In the current health crisis caused by the pandemic, BCN3D has self - lessly produced and distributed more than 4,200 units of protective equip - ment, including 3D printed visors that have been adopted by a wide range of health professionals in more than 50 medical centers throughout Europe. “Undoubtedly, the additive manu - facturing we use and our 3D printing equipment have allowed us to of - fer different technical solutions that have been decisive when it comes to manufacturing masks and protective equipment for medical centers and hospitals.” IDEX technology “Of the different technologies that we have developed, I would like to highlight the so-called IDEX, which has undoubtedly been one of the most important milestones for us. The use of two independent heads and a mir - ror mode double the production and, therefore, significantly increase the productivity”. “We are currently focused onmaking the most of the plastic materials we use. In this sense, the first product that we have launched is the Smart Cabinet which, thanks to the CDTI investment, we have achieved a notable advance that makes the printers work with plastic materials optimally and can preserve the desired humidity condi - tions in this Smart Cabinet. If we want to diversify the use of plastic so that it is used in numerous sectors, and not only the industrial one, it is essential that the technology we use facilitates, as much as possible, the manufactur - ing process for those users who lack extensive technical training.” The CDTI invests in the capital of BCN3D Last year, the CDTI, through the IN - NVIERTE program, and the Mondragón industrial group invested 2.8 million in the capital of BCN3D. This will make it possible to consolidate the range of its products and facilitate the develop - ment of this SME, currently in the ex - pansion phase, which already exports to more than 60 countries. The CDTI The CDTI is the body of the General State Administration that supports knowledge-based innovation, advising and offering public aid for innovation through subsidies or partially reimburs - able aid. The CDTI also internationalizes the R&D and innovation business proj - ects of Spanish companies and entities and manages Spanish participation in international R&D organizations, such as Horizonte2020 and Eureka, and in the Science and Space industries. Additionally, through the Innvierte Economía Sostenible initiative, it sup - ports and facilitates the capitalization of technology companies. BCN3D www.bcn3d.com BCN3D printers to prototype footwear design (Pictures: BCN3D) BCN3D Epsilon W27 printer manufacturing parts for hospital respirators in duplication mode