Irish Enterprise Awards 2021

58 EU BUSINESS NEWS / 2021 Irish Enterprise Awards , Best 3D Printer Supply Company 2021 Inspire 3D is Ireland’s premier location for 3D printer supplies. Existing at the heart of a network of clients and partners within the 3D technology sector, Inspire 3D champions innovation and collaboration in its effective and flexible solutions. Feb21184 Established in 2011, Inspire 3D is Ireland’s leading provider of 3D printers and innovative technologies in the field of additive manufacturing. Initially formed as a service bureau providing a singular 3D printing service, Inspire 3D soon developed into a comprehensive source for 3D printing solutions, providing industries across Ireland with vital access to the latest technology in 3D printing. Serving a broad clientele that spans hobbyists at home, the education sector, engineering industry, and design companies, multinational organisations and state bodies, Inspire 3D is a highly valued partner in a myriad of projects and industries. Working closely with clients, the team at Inspire 3D is able to provide custom solutions to meet their needs, whether that be acquiring their own 3D printer, sourcing materials, servicing equipment, buying parts and more. Moreover, as part of a broader network of providers, Inspire 3D is able to connect customers with other firms if necessary, to find the perfect solution for them. Consequently, Inspire 3D is well established as an honest and open company that does not limit its customers or jealously guard its business from other 3D printing service providers. The internal culture of Inspire 3D is one built on genuine passion for 3D printing and their jobs, whether in sales, technical support, or design, which translates into superior customer service that does justice to the services delivered by the company and the many brands its represents. The combination of technologically advanced printing solutions and conscientious customer service has seen Inspire 3D’s reputation take off throughout Ireland, attracting new clients through referrals on a regular basis. Ordinarily, Inspire 3D also garners a lot of business through promotion at events, all of which are currently postponed or cancelled owing to the pandemic. Until such time that these events resume and enable potential clients to witness the advanced capabilities of Inspire 3D’s products, the team have been running virtual and on-location demos, using a van to transport its equipment so that clients can still see how the equipment works and could benefit their own operations. Although the pandemic may have put a brief halt to events and in- person marketing, Inspire 3D has nonetheless remained busy over the last year, as 3D printing has played a significant role in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. In the initial stages, when PPE shortages were causing difficulties across all industries, 3D printers were in high demand for producing face shields, and Inspire 3D was no exception. The firm had twenty machines producing equipment and supported partner companies by supplying valuable materials and equipment where needed. However, while the delays to some processes have been inevitable, the preparation of Inspire 3D for Brexit meant that the company had increased its inhouse stock by over 300% prior to the end of 2020, meaning that when supply chains did experience delays, Inspire 3D was able to stay active and continue serving customers. This has enabled Inspire 3D to look ahead and make exciting plans for life after lockdown. Among these plans is the expansion of Inspire 3D’s product offering, which has increase recently to include the Mayku Desktop Vacuum Forming Machine and the range of Flux Desktop Laser Cutters, two products that have already proven to be a popular choice for new and old clients alike. Along with a growing range of new advanced engineering materials such as POM, carbon and even metals show’s that Inspire 3D have no intention of slowing down in the near future. However, perhaps the most exciting news is the strategic partnership that has formed between Inspire 3D, 3DGBIRE Ultimaker GB and Create Education. Through this partnership, the firms will not only be introducing the Irish market to a wider range of new equipment and materials but with distribution and support localised in Ireland they are ensuring better support and customer service for the rapidly growing industry. Along with this partnership they will be introducing the widest range of certified training courses for additive manufacturing available in the market today. Across all aspects of 3D printing from design and scanning all the way up to applications and post processing of parts. A big focus for the training will be a partnership with the new Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence in Dundalk, an LMETB initiative, that will provide for the current and future advanced manufacturing skills needs of manufacturing and technology employers. Inspire 3D will focus with the AMTCE on the Ultimaker academy and Makerspace, Showcasing the Ultimaker range of equipment and vast wide range of material's available. Benefiting from the prime location of the AMTCE and links to the LMETB this facility will give both educational and industrial clients, north and south of the border access to the very latest in cutting-edge technology. With a network of partners and clients across multiple industries at its disposal, and an unparalleled offering of 3D technologies, solutions and training to its name, Inspire 3D continues to establish itself at the forefront of its industry in Ireland. We look forward to seeing what the future holds as the team at Inspire 3D continues to innovate and collaborate with industries of Ireland. Contact: Mark Rowan Company: Inspire 3D Web Address: www.inspire3d.ie