Pilot case 07

MX3D 

Robotic 3D Metal Printing
 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Pilot location
Location Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Areas Robotic, 3D Metal Printing
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PILOT CASE 07
About the pilot

About MX3D

MX3D is an Amsterdam-based company that revealed the potential of robotic wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM).

By combining a well-known process of robot welding with 3D printing knowledge, large-scale 3D metal printing becomes more flexible, faster and cheaper. WAAM technology allows high-quality localised production of metals and related materials, and the resulting workpieces can be welded together with manual welding technologies.

Hence it requires expertise and training in a hybrid set of crafts knowledge, including traditional skills and embodied knowledge of metalworking but also digital craftsmanship related to digital modelling and process preparation.

WAAM shows how TCK enhanced with new types of craftsmanship can have a specific value to urban transformation and shows how craft can be used in high-tech industries. 

Learn more about MX3D ↗
mx3d MX3D develops robotic metal 3D printing technologies that expand the possibilities of large-scale manufacturing and digital craftsmanship.
Pilot case overview

Activities, results and impact

01
Pilot development

Activities

  • Map and evaluate different learning methods within MX3D and other suppliers
  • Training and experimentation with different target groups in collaboration with design students from the Antwerp Design Factory
  • Start digitalization of know-how
  • Engage with stakeholders (Universities, Customers and other identified WAAM users) 
  • Functional tests to  evaluate the overall objective accomplishment
02
Project outputs

Results

  • New training formats in WAAM-based 3D printing of metals
  • New instruments for the certification of crafts knowledge and skills, e.g. micro-credentials in WAAM training (with MX3D and Antwerp Design Factory as a launchpad for skill-sharing)
  • Demonstrators to inspire TCK-enhancement by contemporary crafts
03
Expected change

Impact

  • Training will be accessible to crafts people, designers and engineers
  • A consolidated training format  that fits different target groups
  • Formalisation of the notion of the WAAM designer as a craft, which requires training and knowledge

TIMELINE

  • August 2026

    WAAM Manufacturing of cross-case parts! 

    Following the cross-case experimentation, seven participant groups confirmed further collaboration and development: I-Trio Toscano, Delow, D-Fuse, Puzzle, Silea, and Riscoperta del Sensi.
    Their concepts were further developed in collaboration with MX3D’s technical team. Design iterations and knowledge exchange focused on translating the concepts into manufacturable parts and preparing the designs for robotic WAAM production. The finalised cases were gathered and prepared for production, with the manufacturing phase still ongoing in August 2026.



  • June 2026

    MX3D ArtLab residency in Amsterdam

    The selected participant: Mateus Sartori (MOMAMU) worked with the MX3D ArtLab team to explore WAAM as a creative and sculptural medium. The residency combined technical onboarding, design exploration, prototyping and robotic metal fabrication, reflecting MX3D's aim of connecting WAAM technology with artistic and design practices.



  • April 2026

    Final review and presentation of cross-case experimentation

    The cross-case experimentation concluded with all participating teams presenting their final concepts. The presentations marked the completion of the exploratory and collaborative phase, with the concepts refined and ready to move into the next stage: prototyping and further development.

  • April 2026

    Selection of residency winner

    Following the cross-case experimentation and proposal development, MX3D evaluated the submitted concepts and selected artist Mateus Sartori (MOMAMU) for further development through a residency at MX3D ArtLab in Amsterdam. The residency provided an opportunity to co-explore the possibilities of hybrid crafting and robotic Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), combining the artist’s creative practice with MX3D’s technical expertise.

  • March 2026

    Cross-case experimentation kick-off in Florence

    MX3D, Artex and the University of Pisa launched the Ceramic Futures 2.0 cross-case experiment, exploring the intersection between ceramic craftsmanship and robotic WAAM. Two introductory webinars were followed by a two-day workshop at Officina Creativa LAB in Florence on 31 March–1 April. Selected artisans, designers and students worked in groups on planning and co-design, with exposure to metal 3D-printing samples and materials.