Technology cluster to make 3D printers in Belarus

Plans have been made to create a research and technology cluster to make 3D printers in Belarus, BelTA learned from Sergei Chizhik, First Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.

The Academy of Sciences, the Industry Ministry, the Education Ministry and representatives of private business intend to take part in setting up the structure. According to Sergei Chizhik, all the conditions for developing 3D printing and making new printers and consumables are available in Belarus. “We can enter the market of 3D printing services because there is still space for action in this area. Current 3D printers are not perfect. A lot of new ideas are still needed to make 3D printers affordable, fit them with a wide range of functions and, most of all, greatly increase the quality of printed products,” he said. In his opinion, opportunities for designing improved 3D printers are available now.

The official stressed that scientists have to work for the future. “We can contribute a lot to this industry and file patents in a timely manner,” said Sergei Chizhik. In his words, it is now necessary to determine what materials the printers will rely on. Belarus has already made certain advances in this field. The official also added that high-precision machinery and special software are needed for 3D printers.

Speaking about applications of 3D printers, the First Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus remarked that they can be used for prototyping products, for microsensors, civil engineering, and custom-designed footwear.

Sergei Chizhik underlined that now it is necessary to pay attention to post-industrial branches of the economy since conventional industries are facing more and more difficulties. They are having a hard time with entering markets and holding on to them. “Science should help make the transition to a post-industrial area such as the development of biotechnologies, pharmaceutics, nanotechnologies with the transition of nanoindustry, information technologies,” he said.

Companies such as Peleng, Atlant, and MTZ actively use 3D printing. The Powder Metallurgy Institute has bought the equipment. Minsk City Technopark, Belteks Optik, Aeromash, and many other enterprises have done the same. About 30 industry-grade 3D printers are now deployed in Belarus. 3D printing is now active in education, too. The Belarusian State University, the Belarusian National Technical University, the technical universities in Vitebsk and Gomel have 3D printers.