Q.Big 3D GmbH Company Profile

Background

Q.Big 3D GmbH, founded in 2019 as a spin-out from Aalen University, specialized in the development of economical large-format 3D printers. The company's mission was to make large-scale additive manufacturing accessible and cost-effective for industries such as aerospace, mechanical engineering, and automotive. Their flagship product, the Queen 1 printer, utilized proprietary Variable Fused Granular Fabrication (VFGF) technology to produce large components efficiently.

Key Strategic Focus

Q.Big 3D focused on delivering large-format 3D printing solutions that combined high-speed production with fine detail capabilities. The Queen 1 printer, featuring a build volume of 1700x1050x1050 mm, was designed to cater to sectors requiring large, complex components, including rail, commercial vehicles, shipbuilding, aerospace, mechanical engineering, architecture, and construction.

Financials and Funding

In July 2023, Q.Big 3D secured €2 million in Series A funding led by HZG Group, with participation from existing investor Manz AG and its founder, Dieter Manz. The capital was intended to support the market launch of the Queen 1 printer.

Pipeline Development

The Queen 1 printer underwent beta testing starting in autumn 2022, during which customers produced large-scale components such as rear light mounts, sophisticated pipe flanges, and helicopter cockpit side doors. The company planned to commence serial production and shipments by the end of 2023.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Q.Big 3D's proprietary VFGF technology allowed for precise control of extruded plastic according to part geometry. This enabled the printer to switch between high-volume production and fine-detail printing seamlessly, resulting in parts produced up to 40 times faster than alternative methods. The use of plastic pellets as raw material contributed to cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

Leadership Team

• Dennis Herrmann: Co-Founder and Managing Director, specialized in the development of economical 3D printers.

• Katja Herrmann: Co-Founder, Finance and HR, focused on making 3D printing economically viable.

• Siegfried Knüpfer: Managing Director, overseeing company operations.

• Mario Kordt: COO and member of the management, responsible for operational management.

• Oliver Friz: Head of Sales, leading sales strategies.

• Johannes Maas: Controlling and IT, managing financial controls and information technology.

• Alexandra Nobis-Hoyer: Assistant Sales and Admin, supporting sales and administrative functions.

• Max Adler: Application Engineer, providing technical support and application development.

• Vatsal Kapadia: Application Engineer, focusing on engineering applications.

• Helmut Pauser: Application Engineer, specializing in application engineering.

• Dennis Gabeli: Service Technician, responsible for technical services.

• Christof Plischka: Production and Service, overseeing production and service operations.

• Simon Schaffrin: Development Engineer, engaged in product development.

• Juri Schorich: Development Engineer, focusing on engineering development.

• Gabriel Moser: Development Engineer, involved in engineering projects.

Leadership Changes

On January 31, 2025, Q.Big 3D filed for insolvency due to financial difficulties. Despite efforts to restructure and seek new investors, the company ceased operations on April 28, 2025.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The large-format 3D printing market has experienced dynamic growth, driven by demand for rapid prototyping and cost-effective production of large components. However, high investment costs and specialized applications have limited widespread adoption.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the large-format 3D printing sector include:

• B9Creations: Introduced the Core 6 Series MPro, a large-format resin 3D printer with a build volume of 192x108x304 mm, targeting customers requiring large design space with high resolution.

• 3D Systems: Collaborated with SWANY to promote large-format pellet extrusion 3D printing in Japan, featuring the EXT 1070 Titan Pellet 3D printer with a build volume of 42”x42”x48”.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Q.Big 3D collaborated with companies such as Voith, Kärcher, and John Deere, providing large-format 3D printing solutions for various applications. The company also partnered with Murtfeldt Additive Solutions to produce modular helicopter cockpits using the Queen 1 printer.

Operational Insights

Despite innovative technology and strategic partnerships, Q.Big 3D faced challenges in scaling operations and securing sufficient funding for international expansion. The company's focus on large-format 3D printing positioned it uniquely in the market, but financial constraints ultimately led to its closure.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

While Q.Big 3D has ceased operations, the demand for large-format 3D printing continues to grow. Companies in this sector have opportunities to innovate in material usage, reduce production costs, and expand applications across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction.

Contact Information

As of April 28, 2025, Q.Big 3D GmbH has ceased operations. For inquiries related to previous projects or partnerships, former Managing Director Dennis Herrmann has offered support and can facilitate connections to relevant parties.