Interviews with 3D Printing Services #2
LAYERbyLAYER X ProsilasA Conversation with the CEO Vanna Menco
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Welcome to LAYERbyLAYER: Interviews with 3D Printing Services, a unique series brought to you by BASF Forward AM. Through this collection, we dive into the stories of Digital Manufacturing Pioneers who are reshaping the industry with their innovative 3D printing services. These leaders have not only embraced additive manufacturing as a core element of their business but have also chosen BASF Forward AM as a trusted partner in materials and solutions. Each interview seeks to uncover the motivations, challenges, and triumphs behind their decision to pioneer in the 3D printing space, offering inspiration to others in the field.
Join us as we explore these narratives, layer by layer, to better understand the evolving landscape of digital manufacturing and the visionaries driving its future.
Interview #2: Meet Vanna Menco, CEO of Prosilas, a 3D Printing Service based in Italy. The main goal of Prosilas is to provide customers with a sustainable, advanced, and flexible way of managing production.
Getting to know Vanna Menco
Marco: Could you begin by telling us more about your background and how your journey with Prosilas started?
Vanna: “My journey with Prosilas began with my father, Giulio Menco, an aeronautical engineer whose fascination with science fiction and futuristic technologies sparked the creation of our company in 2003. Joining Prosilas was initially about understanding my father’s work, but quickly turned into a passion for additive manufacturing. Over the years, this passion has propelled me to explore the vast possibilities within the sector, leading to my current role as CEO.”
More about Prosilas and its story
Marco: Can you share more about the foundation of Prosilas and how the company has evolved since then?
Vanna: “Prosilas was founded on my father’s vision and enthusiasm for pushing technological boundaries. Initially, we operated like artisans, focusing on bespoke projects. My involvement began in 2007, and by 2015, we had expanded our facilities and capabilities. Today, Prosilas stands as an industrial center for additive manufacturing, equipped with modern technology and serving industries from medical to fashion and automotive. We have 13 SLS 3D printers, 23 expert operators, and an active collaboration with more than 2000 customers. The recent acquisition by Prototal marks a significant milestone, enabling us to broaden our services and reach, reinforcing our position in the additive manufacturing industry.”
“Today, Prosilas stands as an industrial center for additive manufacturing, equipped with modern technology and serving industries from medical to fashion and automotive.”
In 2003, Vanna Menco became passionate about additive manufacturing and decided to invest in the Prosilas project.
Discovery of BASF Forward AM
Marco: Your partnership with BASF Forward AM has been highlighted as a key development. Can you elaborate on these collaborations?
Vanna: “Our collaboration with BASF Forward AM began in 2020 and has significantly broadened our material capabilities, especially with Ultrasint® TPU 88A Powder for our SLS EOS 3D Printers. This partnership has allowed us to expand our product offerings, opening into new applications and industries. The support and collaborative innovation from BASF Forward AM have been crucial to our growth and success.”
Deep Dive into BASF Forward AM Ultrasint® TPU
Marco: Could you share more about your innovative applications, especially with materials like TPU 88A?
Vanna: “TPU 88A has opened new doors for us, offering unique flexibility and durability. We’ve utilized this material in various applications, from fashion to sports equipment, showcasing its versatility. Projects like the protective gear for Lube volleyball players have demonstrated TPU 88A’s potential beyond traditional manufacturing, combining functionality with safety.
A significant advancement is our capability to print parts with varying degrees of hardness, or shore values, within the same component using TPU 88A. This development opens up a full set of applications that were previously unthinkable. With just one type of TPU, we can now produce parts that have both rigid and flexible areas, customized precisely to the requirements of the application. This breakthrough allows us to meet complex demands and bring new solutions to our clients, further pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in additive manufacturing.
“Ultrasint® TPU 88A has opened new doors for us, offering unique flexibility and durability. We’ve utilized this material in various applications, from fashion to sports equipment”
Prosilas was commissioned to produce the sole of a shoe for one of the symbols of fashion luxury: Philipp Plein.
Deep Dive Application Example: Philipp Plein Shoes x2000 Pieces
Marco: Can you tell us a bit more about your project with Philipp Plein?
Vanna: “For Philipp Plein, we produced 2,000 unique pieces, using TPU 88A. This allowed us to create intricate lattice designs tailored to the brand’s innovative aesthetic. The project showcased our capability to deliver high-quality, custom pieces on a large scale.“
Application Spotlight: 3D Printed Shoes
Prosilas used additive manufacturing and BASF Forward AM’s Ultrasint® TPU 88A to create innovative footwear. This method surpasses traditional production limits, offering custom-fit, functional shoes that combine style, durability, and comfort. The use of advanced 3D printing technology allows for:
– Customization: Perfectly tailored fit and design
– Lightweight Design: Durable yet light shoes
– Speed of Production: Quick turnaround from design to product
– Aesthetic Appeal: Unique designs with lattice patterns
Today, Prosilas is equipped with 13 SLS 3D printers, 23 expert operators, and an active collaboration with more than 2000 customers.
Exploration of Other Services & Solutions by Forward AM
Marco: Could you share your experiences with specialized services like Lattice Design?
Vanna: “Lattice Design has proved valuable for clients in various sectors, allowing us to create structures that are lighter yet stronger. This exemplifies how additive manufacturing can improve efficiency and sustainability in production processes.”
The future of Prosilas and closing thoughts
Marco: What does the future hold for Prosilas? And have there been any unusual or particularly memorable requests?
Vanna: “The future for Prosilas is exciting, with continuous exploration of new technologies and markets. A particularly memorable project was our work with biocompatible materials for 3D printing, specifically polycaprolactone (PCL). We developed a 3D printed bronchus for a young patient. This application was not only innovative but truly impactful, showcasing the potential of additive manufacturing to make significant contributions to medical science and patient care. Projects like these underline the transformative power of 3D printing and inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.