German RepRap

Originally established in 2010 as the German RepRap Foundation by Florian Bautz, the company initially focused on developing and selling 3D printing solutions based on RepRap technology. It started by offering kits and affordable printers for hobbyists, but quickly shifted its focus towards industrial and commercial clients. A significant milestone was the launch of the X1000, the first large-volume 3D printer for industrial needs developed in-house in Germany. The company was acquired in February 2020 by the owners of Arburg, a major German manufacturer of injection molding machines, and subsequently rebranded to innovatiQ GmbH + Co KG on December 15, 2020, to reflect its new direction. Despite the acquisition, innovatiQ continues to operate as a separate entity from its Feldkirchen location near Munich, with Florian Bautz remaining as Managing Director.

innovatiQ specializes in developing and selling industrial 3D printers, serving clients in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, medical technology, and manufacturing. The business operates on a direct sales model and through an international network of partners, offering the machines, materials, and professional technical services. Revenue is generated from the sale of its printing systems and associated consumables and services. The company's client base ranges from large industrial corporations like BMW to small and medium-sized enterprises and universities.

The company's product portfolio is centered around two primary technologies: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and Liquid Additive Manufacturing (LAM). Its FFF printers, such as the TiQ series, are designed for industrial use, capable of processing a wide range of plastics from standard filaments to high-temperature and fiber-reinforced materials for creating end-of-arm tooling, jigs, and fixtures. A key feature of all printers is the Open Material Platform, which allows customers to use a broad spectrum of consumables, providing flexibility and helping to keep material costs low. In 2018, the company pioneered the LAM process, a proprietary technology for additively manufacturing components from liquid materials like Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR). The LAM process deposits liquid material which is then vulcanized layer-by-layer using a heat lamp, producing functional parts with properties comparable to those made through injection molding, without the need for extensive post-processing.

Keywords: Liquid Additive Manufacturing, Fused Filament Fabrication, industrial 3D printers, German RepRap, Florian Bautz, Arburg, LAM technology, FFF technology, Liquid Silicone Rubber printing, Open Material Platform, TiQ printers, LiQ printers, industrial manufacturing, additive manufacturing, large-format 3D printing, professional 3D printing, plastic processing, silicone 3D printing, automated 3D printing, high-temperature materials, end-of-arm tooling, rapid prototyping