On Demand Manufacturing, often referred to as “Additive Manufacturing”, is a production approach where items are made only when they are needed, rather than in large quantities for stock. This effectively reduces waste, lowers inventory costs (as you reduice the need for storage capacity, security and logistics) and allows for more customized and flexible production processes.

Although it has been around for close to two decades, the techniques and methods have been largely immature, not allowing for proper production using materials like metal and advanced polycarbonates. In recent years the technology has evolved rapidly, and it's gradually being adopted by more and more industry stakeholders for both project planning, execution and spare parts, in addition to prototyping and one-off production runs.

On Demand Manufacturing often involves the use of digital technologies such as 3D printing, CNC machining, and other advanced manufacturing techniques, to quickly produce parts or products based on real-time orders. This approach is particularly valuable in industries where customization, fast turnaround times, and small batch production are critical. It allows companies to respond rapidly to customer demands, minimize overproduction, and reduce the risk of unsold inventory.

It also results in less envinronmental impact, in particular for asset heavy industries.

The purpose of the LOCAT3D initiative is threefold: To create new business opportunities for clients and existing suppliers across industries, to enable more efficient, sustainable and accessible industrial operations and lower the bar for pan-industrial collaboration.

We intend to this by fostering a strong community of users, having a low entry bar for both major players and SMBs and focus our efforts on creating a good user experience across all our features and offerings.

LOCAT3D was founded in 2022 by Thomas Berntzen and Sten Aksel Jensen, both experienced entrepreneurs, and the team quickly grew. The LOCAT3D team now spans offices in Mo i Rana, Bodø, Stavanger and Oulo, Finland.

We are also proudly supported by a number of private and public entities, including KUPA, ACT, Norwegian AM, Kongsberg Innovation, Kongsberg Technology Cluster, Innovation Norway, Microsoft Startup and Kunnskapsparken Helgaland.

For clients the LOCAT3D platform is free to browse, allowing you to both check the availability of services and offerings and find suitable partners for your project and needs. That includes the use of our detailed and advanced search functions, full access to most pictures and descriptions and the ability to filter search results based on your set criteria. To use our platform to get in touch with service providers, request quotes and start negotiations, you need to sign up and/or subscribe.

The solution is a flexible Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution, and our monthly billed subscription service is triple-tiered, where you can choose the tier most suitable for your current needs. Depending on the tier you choose, you will get access to additional features, support and increase the limit for the number of requests you can send using the platform each month.

For service providers LOCAT3D will effectively act as an extended sales platform, allowing you to offer your products and services to a larger audience, industry segments that would otherwise be beyond your reach and maximize the utlizatiopn of your exissting machine park and/or specialized expertise. Depending on your subscription tier, you will be able to list a wide range of services, products, capacities and solutions.

Signing up is easy, and so is changing your tier access as your needs change. For detailed information on term and conditions, please see our Policy pages.