PVP on Large Format 3D Printing in the Advertising Industry

In the advertising and communications industry, 3D printing is highly valued for its design flexibility, personalized approach, and fast production capabilities. One such company embracing this technology is PVP, a family-owned advertising specialist. They provide a range of communication services, including point-of-sale advertising and commercial signs. To delve deeper into PVP’s involvement with additive manufacturing, we interviewed them to gain insights into their activities and their usage of this innovative technology.

3DN: Could you Introduce Yourself and Your Connection to 3D Printing?

Frédéric Barbey

I am Frédéric Barbey, chairman of the BARBEY Holding SAS family group with PVP and Alibee. I joined PVP in 1985. As a manufacturer of point-of-sale (POS) advertising, we integrated large-format 3D printing technology in October 2021. This additive manufacturing process allows us to offer a very wide range of communication options, including monumental promotional items.

3DN: What is PVP and What Services Do You Offer?

Founded in 1982 as a family-owned business, PVP has evolved from a letter painting workshop to a screen printing company, and eventually integrated large format digital printing in the 1990s. Today, we specialize in multimedia advertising and signage production for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Our expertise extends to retail point-of-sale (POS) promotional materials, retail space design, and urban micro signage. Additionally, we operate an e-commerce platform called PVP Store, offering interior decoration products for individuals. What sets us apart is that we manufacture all our products in-house, ensuring quality and control over the entire production process.

With our state-of-the-art facilities including a digital workshop for large format industrial printing and XXL 3D printing, a shaping and finishing workshop, a metalworking workshop, an epoxy and liquid painting workshop, a logistics service for customized packaging and an installation and assembly service, we provide a comprehensive production chain. To enhance our capabilities, we have our own communication company called Alibee. Through Alibee, we offer visual design, graphic communication, and advertising consultation to our clients. By having this agency as part of our group, we are able to provide a seamless customer experience, offering a single point of contact from project start to final delivery.

PVP uses Massivit’s technology to manufacture its parts (photo credits: Massivit)

3DN: What 3D Printing Technology and Materials Do You Use?

We have invested in the Massivit 3D 1800 Pro, a cutting-edge 3D printer recommended and purchased from EM3D. This printer boasts exceptional capabilities, featuring two print heads that enable the production of large shapes and volumes with remarkable speed. Its dimensions measure 1.45 m x 1.11 m with a height of 1.80 m, providing ample space for printing. Utilizing Gel Dispensing Printing (GDP) technology, this printer employs a photopolymer acrylic gel that instantly dries upon application. The gel possesses the unique property of hardening under UV light, allowing for the rapid printing of molds. In essence, GDP uses the principle of fused deposition modeling (FDM) by layering molten material and curing it with UV light as it emerges from the nozzle. Depending on specific requirements, various gels, including a diffusing gel for integrating light, are available to meet different needs.

In addition to our printing capabilities, we offer comprehensive workshops for finishing, encompassing paint, varnish, and digital printing. This enables us to provide a wide range of finishes, ensuring the highest quality and desired aesthetics for our products. The adoption of Massivit’s GDP technology marks a significant milestone in the additive manufacturing market, enabling us to produce large-format prints with newfound efficiency and effectiveness. This advancement has opened up exciting possibilities for us in the realm of large-scale production.

3DN: Why Did you Choose this Manufacturing Process?

Massivit’s GDP technology allows us to produce very large pieces from one or more parts, shortening production times with great freedom of design. In our communication professions, deadlines are often short. We therefore need to use technology that allows us to meet these requirements for impressive POPs.

PVP 3D prints large advertising structures (photo credits: PVP)

3DN: Is 3D Printing the Future of the Advertising Industry?

Indeed, it holds tremendous value in every scenario! The incorporation of volume into an advertising campaign opens up a multitude of distribution channels, particularly through social networks, which greatly benefits our customers. As a result, brands have developed a genuine enthusiasm for 3D printing and are actively considering its integration into their campaigns.

Our target audiences encompass a diverse range of sectors. We cater to event communications, providing captivating and immersive experiences. Additionally, artists and designers rely on us for decorative elements in various spaces such as hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. We also specialize in creating backdrops for amusement parks, theaters, and TV sets, ensuring a visually stunning ambiance. Furthermore, our expertise extends to large-scale prototypes, enabling the realization of ambitious projects. Lastly, we even offer solutions for the production of furniture, showcasing the versatility and practicality of 3D printing.

With our wide range of capabilities and target applications, we are well-positioned to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of our clients, ensuring that their campaigns and projects truly stand out.

3DN: What are PVP’s Current or Future Projects?

I firmly believe in the power of XXL 3D objects as a communication medium, especially when combined with social networks, to amplify the visibility of advertisers’ products. As a result, we are committed to investing in new machinery to enhance our offerings and increase our production capacity in this rapidly expanding market. Furthermore, the potential for producing larger series is another exciting aspect. With Massivit’s GDP technology, we can create molds that enable thermoforming of plastics. This opens up possibilities for producing larger quantities of customized products, catering to the growing demand in the market.

By continuously investing in advanced technology and exploring innovative production techniques, we are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of our clients and leverage the full potential of XXL 3D printing as a powerful tool for effective communication and advertising.

Photo Credits: PVP

3DN: Do You Have Any Final Words for our Readers?

In our profession, technology has expanded our possibilities and creativity over the last three decades. With each project, we are amazed at the quality and capabilities of our workshops. What else do you think the future holds for us? For more information about PVP’s activities, click HERE.

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*Cover Photo Credits: PVP