07-10-2015: Polish Omni3D unveiled large Factory 2.0 3D printer
With this move the company resurrected its career by entering the industrial machines market
On July 10, 2015, Omni3D, one of the pioneers of desktop 3D printing in Poland, presented its flagship machine – the Factory 2.0. It was the first Polish industrial-class 3D printer, featuring an impressive build area of 50 x 50 x 50 cm, even by today's standards. Additionally, the machine was equipped with a range of innovative solutions for its time, including 10 microprocessors controlling the 3D printer's operation and monitoring indicators such as temperature and humidity in the work chamber, as well as filament flow. The Factory 2.0 allowed the company to enter the industrial market, steering it in a completely new direction where it remains to this day.
Today, Omni3D is a well-known brand with a rich distribution network worldwide. It is distinctly associated with the industrial sector, thanks to its large-format 3D printers designed to work with challenging and high-performance materials. However, few know or remember that its beginnings were quite different, and the Factory 2.0 was a breakthrough that not only changed its business profile but even saved it from collapse.
Omni3D was founded in 2013 as one of the first Polish manufacturers of desktop 3D printers. Its flagship project was the RapCraft 2, built by Bartek Barłowski, one of the pioneers of 3D printing in Poland. The company caused a lot of stir in the domestic market, becoming the first real star of the emerging industry. Its contribution to the promotion of 3D printing in Poland in 2013-2014 is invaluable.
Unfortunately, the RapCraft 2 had two huge flaws. Firstly, it was a rather crude copy of the Dutch Felix. Secondly, it didn’t work. That is, sometimes it worked, and sometimes it didn’t. Many people who bought the 3D printers for a considerable amount of money at that time (around 2000 EUR) became very discouraged with 3D printing. Additionally, the company got involved in a Kickstarter campaign with a 3D-printed wind turbine, which was later refunded to everyone... Things were bad.
In 2015-2016, the company underwent a thorough restructuring, changing practically everything and everyone. From a joyful startup riding the wave of consumer 3D printing, it transformed into a company producing large machines for industry. This is one of the relatively few success stories of such a transformation. Solidoodle, Robo3D, or LulzBot didn't manage it – but the Polish Omni3D did!
Source: www.centrumdruku3d.pl