When it comes to manufacturing, many tools are required: design software, quality monitoring software, machines, scanning applications, etc. However, these solutions are often disconnected, presenting a challenge for users. The workflow elements do not communicate with each other, which creates a real obstacle to reliable, repeatable production. Production is slowed down, orders are missed and errors and associated costs multiply. This is where Toolkit3D comes in, with its agnostic platform for integrating and automating manufacturing workflows. It brings together all production data and integrates with machines, scanners, existing software and ERP.
In a nutshell, Toolkit3D aims to streamline every step, from order to delivery. It unifies design, customization, production and even logistics. To find out more about this solution, its main features and how it is used in industry, we asked its CEO, Edward Ponomarev, a few questions.
Some members of Toolkit3D’s team
3DN: Could you introduce yourself and your connection with additive manufacturing?
I’m Edward Ponomarev, CEO of Toolkit3D. My journey began in 1990 when I worked for major footwear brands, where we were tasked with creating custom shoes for professional athletes. This involved collecting biomechanical data and converting it into modular designs for manufacturing. Unfortunately, the technology at the time was not ready for widespread implementation. I have spent over a decade developing technology that connects product design, engineering and manufacturing. Throughout this process, I consistently noticed that the biggest gap was in the workflow.
3DN: Why did you create Toolkit3D?
We created Toolkit3D because we saw the same problem across industries: custom product manufacturing was chaotic. Every scan, every order, every modification was unique, but the tools to handle them were brittle, manual or disconnected. We wanted to build a platform that could bring order to the digital manufacturing chaos, actually enabling users to scale.
3DN: How do your solutions meet the challenges of today’s industry?
Today’s biggest challenge is that software hasn’t kept up with hardware. Printers have evolved, but the workflow around them is still painfully manual. Toolkit3D automates the entire journey from order to production, connecting scanning, design and manufacturing in one system. This lets teams produce faster and more accurately, for both general production and custom parts.
We’re solving the fragmentation problem. Most companies today use five to ten disconnected systems to get a custom product made. Toolkit3D transforms that workflow into one unified platform that automates and connects everything: reducing errors, speeding up fulfillment and eliminating the need for constant manual intervention, unless they want it.
Thanks to Toolkit3D, Berretta Medical Inc. can 3D print braces more efficiently
3DN: How does your platform integrate with existing 3D printing software and hardware ecosystems?
Toolkit3D is built API-first and 100% agnostic for software and hardware. We integrate with scanners, design software, printers, existing ERP systems… we make it easy to plug Toolkit3D into your existing tech stack with no disruption to production.
3DN: What sets Toolkit3D apart from other MES or workflow tools in the additive space?
Toolkit3D isn’t an MES system—MES focus on static production lines, not custom workflows. Instead, it is a business integration software built for high-mix, low-volume, custom product manufacturing AND high-mix, high-volume mass production. Our solution is:
- Visual and customizable;
- API driven;
- Built for general digital files and excels at scan-based workflows;
- Able to run conditional logic on a per-file basis;
- Designed to work in both regulated (medical) and consumer environments.
TK3D delivers truly custom products versus templated solutions.
3DN: What industries use Toolkit3D? What are your targets?
Toolkit3D is already deployed with global OEMs, clinical brands and high-throughput service bureaus across the U.S., Canada and Europe. Customers are actively using Toolkit3D to manufacture orthotics and prosthetics with companies such as BMI or Superfeet; custom sports gear with CCM or Vicis; or dental appliances.
We see a big potential for medical device manufacturers, consumer brands using 3D scanning and printing (eyewear, helmets, wearables), services bureaus focused on custom or short-run production and OEMs building digital manufacturing pipelines.
VICIS uses Toolkit3D to create helmets designed directly from the player’s head scan
3DN: What’s your vision for the future of digital product manufacturing?
We see a future where every product can be made to order: personalized, locally produced and delivered fast. Toolkit3D is building the infrastructure to power that world: software that enables anyone to scale digital manufacturing from garage to global, without drowning in manual bottlenecks.
We’ve also created a generic design ecosystem where our customers will be able to design their own products from day one and create custom recipes for repeatable production.
3DN: Any last words for our readers?
Toolkit3D isn’t just another print management tool, dead-end customizer or MES. Toolkit3D focuses on streamlining every action from order to delivery. Don’t hesitate to ask for a demo HERE or request a partnership!
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*All Photo Credits: Toolkit3D