When has a technology ever developed so rapidly in some many different countries, practically at the same time? 3D printing is already standing out as one of the most peculiar and far reaching technological phenomenon humanity has experienced. In the early age of personal computing, that is in the 70’s and 80’s, innovation took place only in certain nations. With 3D printing, all is different and the technology is already living up to its promise of democratizing manufacturing.
If 3D printing enthusiasm can be measured by shows and dedicated events, Baku, the captain of Azerbaijan, is next in line. Next February, it will host a 3D Print Conference in the 3D Print Expo network. It is the first of four shows, which will also reach Kiev, Ukraine, and Almaty, Kazakhstan, to end in Moscow’s Sokoliniki next October.” We invited professionals from Russia, Turkey, USA, Thailand and Azerbaijan,” says Alla Vavilova, Event Coordinator at 3D Print Expo. “3D Project – a company from Baku – will be a diamond sponsor of this conference.”
Alla explained that the market in Azerbaijan is still in the very early stages of its development and that there are only five companies in the country directly involved with 3D printing services and hardware. “However,” says Alla, “we are convinced it will grow considerably in 2015.” The capital city of Baku has been growing a lot in the past years, as shown by the characteristic “flame-shaped” skyscrapers in its center.
Kazakhstan, where the conference will move to next April 16th, is also a highly receptive country to 3D printing. “At the 3D Print Conference which took place last year in Almaty, there were many professionals from different countries and many participants from a new generation of consumers interested in 3D technologies. In fact,” Alla adds, “we have just been informed that one start-up will be presenting the very first locally-developed and manufactured 3D printer. This is really exciting news for us!”
In Ukraine, where the first 3D Print conference already took place last year, there are about 30 companies, including both shops and 3D printer resellers. “During the conference in Kiev, we set a record by 3D printing the the 1st and the largest ever national symbol. The situation in this country now is not easy at this time, however 3D technologies continue to develop. In Ukraine, you can find developers of 3D printing ecosystems, such as Gambody, while the Kharkiv Institute of Physics & Technology has begun studying the possibility of 3D printing with graphene.
Tensions are high, lately, between Russia, Europe, and the US over the Ukraine crisis. Technology can be a means to unite people, however, and, hopefully, 3D printing can help to build bridges that can cross any border.
