K3D expands MetalFab fleet to six systems across two Netherlands sites

Netherlands-based metal 3D printing service provider K3D added two MetalFab systems to its production fleet, bringing its total to six machines across two manufacturing facilities. The expansion gives K3D nine additive manufacturing cores in operation, running stainless steel 316L, aluminum AlSi10Mg, and titanium Ti6Al4V across a mix of configurations from the single-core MetalFab 300 Flex to the fully autonomous MetalFab G2 Continuous Production.

The move comes as K3D reported production of its one-millionth metal AM part, a milestone that reflects a decade of scaling output since the company acquired its first MetalFab system in 2016. K3D was founded that same year as a subsidiary of Royal Kaak, formerly the Kaak Group, a manufacturer of industrial bakery production lines based in the Netherlands.

“Our fully automated MetalFab has achieved utilization rates of up to 95% over the past few years”Jaap Bulsink, Chief Technology Officer at K3D

Jaap Bulsink, Chief Technology Officer at K3D, said the two new machines fit into an existing production operation that has already demonstrated high throughput. “Our fully automated MetalFab has achieved utilization rates of up to 95% over the past few years,” he said. “Ideal for large products, but also for series production of smaller parts, they are a perfect addition to our existing machines.”

K3D serves aerospace, automotive, tooling, energy, oil and gas, and defense customers from its facilities in eastern Netherlands and the Eindhoven Brainport region.

Rik Bakker, Chief Executive Officer at Additive Industries, noted that K3D’s first MetalFab, delivered in 2016, continues to produce parts for customers today. “It is a testament to the quality, productivity and consistency of our products that customers like K3D continue to place their confidence and future success of their business in the MetalFab hardware,” he said.

With six MetalFab systems now running, K3D positions itself among the largest metal AM service bureaus in Europe by installed capacity on a single platform. Additive Industries, headquartered in Eindhoven, supplies laser powder bed fusion systems designed for industrial production and offers configuration options covering modularity, automation, and calibration for high-demand sectors.