“Knowledge is the greatest capital”
Many innovative 3-D printing processes are made in Israel. Andy Middleton from Stratasys explains why in The Interview.
Mr. Middleton, you are the EMEA Head of the Israeli 3-D printer manufacturer Stratasys, a world market leader in this field. You are based in Germany and responsible for the company’s business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Stratasys has developed an innovation that makes it possible to manufacture articles out of several materials in a single printing operation. Do you believe it’s a coincidence that this innovation came from Israel?
I’ve been working for Israeli companies for more than 20 years and I’m not at all surprised that a pioneering technology like this was developed in Israel. The percentage of the total population working in research – particularly in science and technology – is relatively high by global comparison; similarly, research and development accounts for a large proportion of the gross domestic product.
How intensively is 3-D printing technology used by businesses and private individuals in Israel?
It might sound a bit paradoxical, but although there is a lot of research going on in Israel, the country can’t compete with either the USA or Germany when it comes to the spread of technology. In Israel, 3-D printing is used most in the field of military developments, for example to make prototypes for unmanned vehicles. To date, 3-D printing hasn’t become very widespread in industrial or private use.
Speaking of industry: what’s the situation in Israel as regards the next industrial revolution – Industry 4.0? Does the subject play as important role as it does in Germany?
So far, its role has been smaller than in Germany. This is simply down to the fact that Israel doesn’t produce or export as much. The country’s greatest capital lies in the people’s knowledge and experience.
Is that the reason why two Israeli employees have been working at your Baden-Württemberg site in Rheinmünster near Baden-Baden for the last few months?
Yes. Our Israeli colleagues not only have the scientific expertise, they are also very well versed in the field of applications. And believe me, that isn’t an easy task, because there are virtually no limits to 3-D printing on the application side. ▪
Interview: Clara Görtz
