Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

3D Modelling & Printing is all about bringing imaginations to life. The 3D modelling and printing technology allows you create three-dimensional shapes and surfaces using a computer based 3D modelling software.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

It involves breaking down objects into smaller parts called polygons. These polygon are then combined together to form a three dimensional image on the computer screen that can be manipulated using the mouse. 3D models are made up of vertices (points), edges (lines), and faces (surfaces). After modeling, the design can now be printed using the 3D printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing. The technology works by adding layers of materials to build up a complete object. The printer can print these layers at different thickness using a file format called G-code. Before printing the design, it undergoes what is called slicing. It is the preparation of the object or model into a language that the 3D printer understands (G-code), and one of the most popular slicing software is the Ultimate Cura. After slicing, the file can be sent directly to the printer, or stored on an SD card, and then inserted into the printer, and printing commences.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Supply Chain disruption. Inevitably, every manufacturer will at some point need replacement parts for the factory floor, as well as new tooling for production. They might also have to respond to an urgent, short-notice need for end-use parts, or want to build production parts in low volumes that don’t make sense to build tooling for. Manufacturers without access to fast, point-of-need fabrication will have far less efficient supply chains. Even with normal business operations, lead times are much longer (oftentimes taking weeks to months), timelines are less dependable, and the actual ability to obtain the needed supplies is beyond the control of the manufacturer. With a supply chain stretched out to include multiple parties and processes — going through both the supplier and the shipping service — there are far more opportunities for things to go awry. There can be issues in supplier’s preparation processes, potential shipping mixups or delays, and even potential quality issues

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

3D modeling and printing can help mitigate these disruptions by offering several advantages: Localized Production: 3D printing enables decentralized manufacturing, allowing products to be made closer to the point of demand. This reduces the reliance on centralized factories and long-distance supply chains, making production more resilient to disruptions. Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing: With 3D modeling and printing, companies can quickly design and produce prototypes or even final products on-demand. This agility allows for faster adaptation to changes in demand or supply chain conditions. Customization and Personalization: 3D printing allows for easy customization of products to meet specific customer needs or regional requirements. This flexibility can help companies better respond to changing market demands and preferences. Inventory Reduction: Traditional manufacturing often requires large inventories to buffer against uncertainties in the supply chain.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Manufacturers: Companies producing goods can benefit from improved supply chain efficiency, reduced lead times, and lower production costs. This is especially true for industries relying on rapid prototyping and custom parts, such as automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. Educational Institutions: Universities and research institutions that use 3D printing for research and educational purposes can benefit from more reliable and cost-effective access to 3D printing materials and equipment. Startups and Small Businesses: These entities can gain a competitive edge by leveraging improved supply chains to access 3D printing technology at lower costs, enabling innovation and market entry. Consumer Goods Companies: Companies producing end-use consumer goods can benefit from the flexibility and reduced time-to-market that efficient 3D printing supply chains can provide.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Isaac Erhovwooghene is a visionary 3D modeler. His passion for creating 3D designs and dedication to client satisfaction is the drive behind his continuous research into the field of 3D.Isaac specializes in creating high-quality, innovative 3D models and designs for a diverse range of industries. His expertise spans across architecture, gaming, animation, product design, and virtual reality, delivering exceptional and visually compelling solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of clients. His skills ranges from the use of the Autodesk 123D design software, ThinkerCad, Ultimaker Cura, and Blender. Ebere Okoli specialize in transforming innovative ideas into tangible, high-quality prototypes and final products. Her skills and expertise includes the use of 3D Modeling and CAD Design such as Autodesk 123d, and Blender. She also has an extensive knowledge of the FDM (Fused Deposition Model) manufacturing techniques, and printing materials such as the PLA (Polylactic Acid)

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

3D modeling and printing addresses target 1.1 and target 1.5 of goal 1 of the SDGs. Addressing target 1.1, 3D modeling and printing have the potential to reduce poverty through employment creation, as well as ensuring a constant supply of scarce product for isolated communities. Again, it can reduce poverty as people could print items to meet their own needs, those of their community, and also export to sell. Addressing target 1.5, 3D modeling and printing for example, could manufacture goods needed for humanitarian aid such as spare parts for hospital equipment, and pipe fittings for water supply. Again, 3D modeling and printing could address logistic inefficiencies as it has the ability to meet unanticipated demands for certain good within short notice, and print parts and other customized parts from anywhere and at anytime.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

3D modeling and Printing will address target 2.a which mentions "technology development". At this point, 3D modeling and printing can support small and medium scale farmers by enabling production of cheap and durable customized farming tools, and also supporting prototyping and fabrication of spare parts for agricultural machineries.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

3D modelling and printing will address target 3.8 of goal 3 through the production of affordable medical devices, prosthetics, orthotics, surgical simulators, and implants tailored to individual needs. Furthermore, 3D modeling and printing could be of great importance during pandemics both globally or in regions as seen during COVID-19 pandemic, where it was reported that personal protective equipments such as face shields, face masks, and respiratory filters were produced in large quantities.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Two key areas have been identified to support quality education. First, target 4.a which aims at "inclusive and effective learning environment for all". 3D modeling and printing could help with the fabrication of customized devices for laboratory which are difficult or very costly to fabricate using the traditional manufacturing. Secondly, target 4.5 which aims at "equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations". 3D modeling and printing provides solutions for visually impaired students.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

4

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Target 9.2 of the goal aims to promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization. 3D modeling and printing itself is an innovation, but also enabled innovations. It allows easy production of complex and entirely new geometrics and a high degree of customization. Again, apart from the 3D printer, power supply, and raw material, no further tools and facilities are needed. That makes it possible to produce nearly everywhere and anytime, this on demand and decentralized.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Goal 11 aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. 3D modeling and printing can be used for urban planning and construction, creating sustainable and resilient structures. As related to disaster relief; it can quickly produce necessary supplies and temporary housing for disaster stricken areas. Again, 3D modeling and printing can enable new acoustic metamaterials with higher absorption rate or otherwise better sound absorption properties since noise pollution is one of the major problems in cities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

3D modeling and printing affect goal 12 in various ways such as, waste reduction, circular economy, distributed recycling, and spare parts production. Target 12.5 aims to "substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and use". So, 3D modeling and printing potentially benefit this target by recycling of waste through waste-to-filament processes, enhance product lifetime by printing spare parts.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

4

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

5

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

5

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

4

05.08 Justification

3D modeling and printing are unique and innovative due to their transformative designs and manufacturing. Traditional manufacturing techniques often struggle with complex shapes and internal structures. 3D modeling and printing, however, can easily produce intricate designs, including those with internal cavities and complex lattices, which would be impossible or prohibitively expensive to achieve with the traditional method. Designers can quickly create, test, and iterate their designs, reducing the time from concept to functional prototype. This rapid development cycle fosters innovation and allows for faster market introduction. One of the most exciting innovations in 3D printing materials is the use of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs). These materials combine the strength and lightness of carbon fiber with the flexibility and versatility of polymers. CFRPs are being used to create high-performance parts for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Industry specific professionals and firms specializing in specific industries such as automotive, aerospace, and healthcare. Again, customers companies providing specialized 3D printing services for industries like jewelry, fashion, and gaming. Established companies with in-house 3D design and printing departments. Tech firms providing comprehensive 3D printing solutions and products. Our focus is on product modeling, with a touch of distinctive artistic style that sets us apart.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Not yet.