It can help make existing technological processes more efficient or replace the conventional production of some parts. This can provide the availability of important parts even with uncertain supplies of basic materials from overseas. The Czech Technology Platform for Additive Manufacturing (ČTPAV) managed to start intense cooperation with the international organization ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). Such collaboration can significantly encourage the development of additive manufacturing in the Czech Republic. 
Nowadays, international standards and norms play a vital role in industrial practice, even for these new and advanced technologies. ASTM (together with ISO) processes these standards and is therefore in daily contact with industrial partners and current trends. ČTPAV invited ASTM to cooperate, thus offering Czech companies and universities a unique opportunity for personal contact with ASTM experts. During two workshops and subsequent online meetings, Czech participants learned about current trends and emerging standards „first-hand“. ČTPAV opened an opportunity for Czech companies to show off their achievements in the field of additive technologies. Cooperation with ASTM and its references at international fairs strongly support Czech companies. One particular result of these discussions and the further collaboration of ČTPAV with ASTM is also the possibility to inform about the development of Czech 3D printing in the internationally well-recognized magazine Wohlers Report, which maps many years of trends and the development of additive technologies worldwide. Until this year, Central Europe was represented only by examples from Hungary and Poland. „We believe that the information in the Wohlers Report will help move Czech additive manufacturing forward a great deal. For several globally significant companies, this magazine is an important source of information when planning further innovations or looking for new partners for cooperation,“ sums up the success of ČTPAV, the president of Cluster MECHATRONIKA, Mr. Michal Zemko.

The Czech technology platform for additive manufacturing will continue to strive to spread awareness of these advanced technologies and provide comprehensive support for their implementation. The main contribution of ČTPAV is its ability to connect companies and academia not only in the Czech environment and in Europe, the partnership with ASTM will open the doors for Czech companies to the Klastr MECHATRONIKA, z. s. Cluster MECHATRONIKA www.nca.cz 37 whole world. ČTPAV will also continue to organize professional workshops and online seminars that will help spread information about current trends and innovations among the wider public. The Czech technology platform for additive manufacturing operates within the Cluster MECHATRONIKA. The cluster works as a platform for the cooperation of companies, research organizations, and schools in mechatronics and related fields. It supports innovation and the development of local industrial enterprises. Cluster MECHATRONIKA is a member of the National Cluster Association (NCA) and thus offers its members new opportunities for collaboration with many Czech and European companies. 

Katerina Podana, katerina.podana@klastrmechatronika.cz, +420 777 085 704, www.klastrmechatronika.cz/en