Kris Binon leaves Flam3D, the Flemish-Dutch AM organization that he helped build from the ground up in 7.5 years. He tells himself not to find the manager for the next phase of Flam3D. Kris announces that he will remain active in the AM industry.
“There really is still a lot of unknown about 3D printing. 3D printing always appears in the newspapers with a sexy application, but that does not give a good idea of what is possible. They don’t write what it costs and what it yields. There is work to be done there.” That’s what Kris Binon said in the spring of 2017 when 3D Print magazine interviewed him for the first time.
After 7.5 years of construction, he leaves the new phase to his successor
Seek collaboration
At that time he already announced the collaboration with Brainport Development and the participation in – then still – Euromold to put the AM industry on the map. “After building Flam3D for 7.5 years, he leaves behind a solid organization that is ready for the next phase,” writes Philippe Reinders-Folmer, chairman of the Flam3D steering group, about Kris Binon’s departure. Flam3D now has more than 125 members in both Flanders and the Netherlands and, with the Benelux pavilion, has grown into the largest country collective on Formnext.
New course, new type of manager
He already announced the change of course at Flam3D himself at the member event in December. Now Kris Binon says in an email about his farewell to the members: “Flam3D continues, grows to the next level. The organization’s focus will shift in part to medium and long-term impact, which requires a clear vision and the roll-out of multiple programs and projects. Flam3D needs a manager to steer this process and further stimulate the growth of the Additive Manufacturing sector in the Flemish-Dutch region. There are so many opportunities ahead – for the sector and for the organization.” He considers himself more of a builder and not the type of manager for the next phase. “It is also time for change for me. I am not that manager.”
Active in the AM sector
Kris Binon will remain in the AM sector. He says he has been given another chance. In the coming weeks he will remain active at Flam3D. The steering group wants to attract a suitable successor as soon as possible, who is able to embed the technology in the industry and sell the strong Flam3D brand at home and abroad, said the steering group chairman.
Photo: with this bike full of 3D printed parts he put Flam3D on the map in 2016t