In the ever-evolving world of technology and innovation, TECOS, a Slovenian Tool and Development Centre, positions itself as a beacon of progress. Their striving goal is to bridge the gap to 3D printing advancement. They aim to achieve this partly through their participation in the 3DoP project (3D Printing optimised Production), an initiative that focuses on implementing innovative investment projects to address bottlenecks in various industries through the application of 3D printing technology. In an in-depth interview with Simona Vernon, head of the Industrial Association at TECOS, we get an insightful glimpse into the organisation and its contributions to work package 3 (WP3) of 3DoP.
TECOS, established almost three decades ago, is the oldest and a highly regarded institution in Slovenia’s innovation landscape. Founded through collaborative efforts of the government of the Republic of Slovenia, the City Municipality of Celje, and the Chamber of Commerce & Industry, TECOS has thrived as a multifaceted organisation. It operates through various departments, each with a specific focus:
- Research and Development Centre: TECOS specialises in applied research, primarily functioning at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) six and above. They don’t delve into basic research but concentrate on practical, applicable solutions.
- Industrial Department: This arm of TECOS aids companies in developing prototypes and product design, offering hands-on support in their journey towards innovation.
- Industrial Association: TECOS boasts a cluster comprising over 70 members, encompassing a wide range of industries from toolmaking to plastics, injection moulding, factories of the future, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
- Projects/Research Department: This department focuses on various projects, with 3DoP being one of them, designed to facilitate innovation and enhance regional ecosystems.
3D Printing and More: TECOS’ Diverse Expertise
TECOS serves as a network organisation, not just for 3D printing, but for a broader spectrum of industries, including toolmakers, plastics, injection moulding, factories of the future, and IoT. The institution’s efforts primarily aim to assist their partner companies in designing optimised products and overcoming production challenges. They are not only strongly embedded in the Slovenian ecosystem via several strategic research & innovation partnerships, but also in international networks. Their services extend beyond being mere service providers; TECOS collaborates closely with their partners, aiding in funding procurement, project identification, and facilitating a seamless innovation journey.
One unique aspect of TECOS is their expertise in 3D scanning, reverse engineering, and 3D printing. They have applied these skills to a wide array of projects, from cultural heritage preservation to the optimisation of products used in the automotive and household appliances industries. The integration of 3D printing technologies into their processes has allowed them to design, prototype, and test products more efficiently.
Simona Vernon also sheds light on the fact that TECOS takes full ownership of the product development process until the prototype stage. They utilise 3D printing and scanning to create prototypes, ensuring the product works optimally before it goes into large-scale production. While large-scale production is not within their purview, TECOS plays a vital role in the crucial development phase.
3D Printing in Slovenia: An Evolving Landscape
3D printing, although present in Slovenia, has predominantly been at the ecosystem level, catering to students and startups. It hasn’t yet fully penetrated the large-scale manufacturing sector. However, there’s a discernible shift as 3D printing technologies have been increasingly embraced over the past few years. Nevertheless, the toolmaking and injection moulding industry, which is central to the 3DoP project, remains relatively underdeveloped in this aspect. This makes 3DoP a particularly significant project for TECOS as it holds the potential to catalyse growth in this field.
Unique Approach and Strength of TECOS
What sets TECOS apart from its peers is its unique approach to innovation and its commitment to its partners. The institution serves as a bridge between research institutions and end-user companies, offering rapid response times, close collaboration, and assistance in finding funding and project opportunities. Their partners view them not merely as service providers but as dedicated collaborators, which builds trust and strengthens their relationships.
TECOS also boasts state-of-the-art equipment, including one of the largest 3D scanners, that enables them to meet the needs of their partners effectively. Moreover, their strategic location amidst a hub of toolmakers allows them to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in this industry.
TECOS and 3DoP: A Symbiotic Partnership
The decision for TECOS to participate in the 3DoP project was rooted in several compelling reasons. Firstly, their interest in international cooperation aligned perfectly with the objectives of the project. Secondly, the strength of the partnership among consortium members offered the promise of a fertile ground for innovation. However, the most significant motivation was the opportunity to develop value chains, integrating Slovenian companies into these chains, and facilitating the transfer of knowledge in both directions.
Within the 3DOP project, TECOS assumes the role of coordinating Work Package 3. Additionally, they actively participate in Work Package 6, which focuses on the community aspect, and Work Package 7, dedicated to communication. In their capacity as WP3 coordinators, TECOS manages and supports partners, and the company also plays a pivotal role in the development of 3D printed tools and moulds embedded with electronics. These specialised components are subsequently used by end-users Signify and CAP for their production processes.
The Future of TECOS in and after 3DoP
TECOS envisions a promising future through the 3DoP project. Their primary goal is to establish a pilot plant and develop a unique approach to 3D printed moulds embedded with electronics. This breakthrough will open new market opportunities and offer SMEs access to the technology, thereby creating an additional revenue stream. TECOS aims to position itself as a leader in this field, not only benefiting their company and members but also catalysing growth in the regional industry.
In Conclusion: A Promising Journey
TECOS, as a key consortium partner in Work Package 3 of the 3DoP project, exemplifies the collaborative and innovative spirit that drives this pioneering initiative. With a rich history of excellence and a wide range of expertise, they are poised to make a significant impact on the project’s success. The journey ahead promises to be an exciting one, filled with opportunities, knowledge transfer, and the development of groundbreaking 3D printing technology. TECOS, together with their consortium partners, is well on their way to innovative success.
