AMable, an EU Horizon 2020 programme accelerating the adoption of additive manufacturing, is offering approximately €300,000 in funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the 3D printing industry.
As part of an open call, awarded SMEs will be provide with new connections to carry out application experiments for 3D printed functional products. The intention is to drive competitiveness in the European manufacturing sector.
Driving 3D printing in Europe
Established in 2014 by the European Union, Horizon 2020 is designed to encourage research innovation throughout the continent. The initiative is expected to foot an estimated €80 billion of funding to the vision for “smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and jobs.”
So far, Horizon 2020 funded of several additive manufacturing projects.This includes Project BARBARA, which received €2.7 million in 2017, to develop materials specifically for FFF/FDM for the creation of 3D printable car and construction feedstock. Also, €3.7 million was granted by the EU towards Project BADGER, an enterprise building a robot capable of drilling and 3D printing tunnels for gas supply, telecoms cables, and water pipes.
Additionally, through Horizon 2020, CELLINK’s SilkFUSION project received €350,000 in funding to genetically engineer platelets for “transfusion and drug research”.
Up-skilling employees and discovering new applications
According to AM-Motion, a consortium created to encourage the rapid uptake of 3D printing across the continent, the EU has currently allocated more than €250 million to research & innovation projects focusing on 3D printing. Stemming from this vision is the AMable programme which aims to reinforce the uptake of additive manufacturing through collaboration. The ICT Innovation for Manufacturing SMEs (I4MS) is also supporting this goal as an initiative expanding the digital innovation of manufacturing SMEs in Europe.
According to AMable, the European Commission and the European Parliament have recognized 3D printing as a method to ease the strain on logistical chains, storage, environmental impact, and goods insurance while increasing employment at the SME level.
As a result, AMable will finance businesses that use 3D printing in “Feasibility studies” and “Good Practices”, ranging from €5,000 to €60,000. This initiative will also set up a series of side benefits to improve the skills of employees in Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) and support business development.
This call for proposals will be open until June 1, 2019.
Voting is now open for the 2019 3D Printing Awards.
For more information on the latest trends in additive manufacturing subscribe to our 3D printing newsletter and follow us Facebook and Twitter.
Visit our 3D Printing Jobs board to find out more about opportunities in additive manufacturing.
Featured image shows a 3D printed hand. Photo via Shutterstock.
