ValCUN hosts Open Day to showcase Minerva metal AM solution
Event co-created by the 3DoP consortium, a European-funded project empowering SMEs in additive manufacturing
ValCUN, a pioneering company in deployable metal additive manufacturing, opened the doors of its new facility, welcoming a diverse audience of industry professionals, partners, and technology enthusiasts. The company showcased its Minerva metal 3D printer, which utilizes Molten Metal Deposition (MMD), a single-step AM technology that melts metal wire feedstock and directly extrudes it to form the final part.
The event was co-created by the 3DoP consortium, a European-funded project to empower SMEs in additive manufacturing. This open day provided a unique opportunity to explore ValCUN’s innovative metal printing technology, understand its benefits for the industry, engage with key experts, and witness live demonstrations.
ValCUN’s Minerva deployable and user-friendly system allows for rapid setup and operation, using readily available welding wire instead of costly metal powders or proprietary formulations. Unlike traditional methods, MMD eliminates the need for debinding and sintering, as no binder particles are involved, reducing post-processing requirements. The technology enables support-free printing, producing overhangs up to 75° and bridges up to 25 mm with controlled solidification. Operating just above the metal’s melting point with low thermal gradients, it ensures minimal residual stress, distortion, and cracking, resulting in high-quality parts.
The event began with an inspiring opening speech by Sofie Bracke, the city’s alderwoman, followed by a warm welcome from ValCUN’s founders, Jonas Galle and Jan De Pauw. Attendees were then guided through facility tours, where they experienced live printing demonstrations showcasing the power and potential of ValCUN’s deployable technology.
One of the day’s highlights was a series of insightful keynote presentations from distinguished experts in metal additive manufacturing. Tali Rosman, AM Business Advisor at ValCUN and former Stratasys & General Manager at Xerox AM, spoke about the current status of the metal AM industry. A US HVAC manufacturer representative presented the impact of metal additive manufacturing in the HVAC industry. Olivier Rigo, Manager of Additive Manufacturing at Sirris | Innovation Forward, discussed the contribution of this technology to the Belgian AM ecosystem and shared the first integration results at Sirris. Samuel Tonneslan, Project Lead at 3DoP Brainport Eindhoven, highlighted the importance of empowering SMEs in additive manufacturing. Finally, Joachim Antonissen, General Manager of Guaranteed, explored the economic and ecological benefits of using additive manufacturing.
The event concluded with a networking session, where attendees exchanged ideas over drinks and snacks, fostering new connections and potential collaborations within the additive manufacturing ecosystem.
