Over the past few weeks, the world has watched in horror at the devastation taking place in Ukraine as a result of the ongoing conflict with Russia. There have been thousands of deaths and injuries with at least $600 billion in property damage and sadly, it doesn’t look like it’s going to stop any time soon. As a result, people from all over the world have come together to offer help whenever they can, and of course the 3D printing community is no exception. And now, just in time for Rapid + TCT 2022, there is yet another effort to help Ukrainians. The Together We Are Strong initiative will host a silent auction to raise money to go directly to Ukraine.
Similar to the response to the COVID-19 crisis, since the beginning of the invasion, people in the 3D printing community have worked to help the Ukrainian people in their fight. This has taken many forms, including shipping 3D-printed turnstiles, stopping work with Russian clients, and more. In fact, almost immediately after the Russian invasion, some of the leading 3D printing companies founded the Together We Are Strong initiative. The silent auction is their latest effort to help support the war-torn country and is run by Nexa3D, EOS, BigRep, Wohlers Associates, with technology from ASTM International, SYGNIS, Digital University and 3YOURMIND. Sarah Goehrke, Senior Director, Strategic Communications and Ecosystems, Nexa3D; and Board Director and Head of DEI, Women in 3D Printing as well as one of the organizers of the auction, expanded “The global AM industry has shown incredible resilience and empathy in the face of crisis. We have seen this exemplified through the crisis, especially in recent years, first with the formation of consortia to address immediate medical needs in the face of a terrible pandemic, and again earlier this year in the face of a deadly assault. The Together We Are Strong community grew quickly, with exemplary leadership from some of the biggest names and companies in our industry.”
A silent auction for Ukraine during RAPID + TCT 2022
As the name suggests, a silent auction is a type of auction that, unlike most, does not use an auctioneer present. Rather, attendees can view all the items for sale and then bid silently and anonymously on a bid sheet. In this case, it will be hosted virtually on Allegro, with funds raised and distributed with the help of Digital University. The platform will be live on Monday, May 16, although bidding will open at the same time as RAPID+TCT 2022 on Tuesday, May 17 at 10am ET. It will close at 12 pm ET on Thursday, May 19. All proceeds will go directly to support advanced manufacturing of parts now needed for medical and aerospace or educational workshops to train Ukrainian refugees in 3D printing technologies, which are an extension of ongoing projects already implemented in Ukraine.
Some of the items available include five copies of the 2022 Wohlers Report, a one-year license from 3YOURMIND, a unique 3D printed violin from EOS, and new printers from Nexa3D, among many others. Speaking of the auction, Goehrke concluded: “Gathered together with incredible speed, these donated items and participating companies showcase the fast-paced movement and empathetic support that, to me, is synonymous with additive manufacturing at its best. Working with participating companies, other organizers and the NGO to ensure the proper collection and distribution of funds, I have been impressed by the strength of the human spirit. It is humbling to lead this project, especially knowing that 100% of all money raised will go directly to continue building the resources and educational opportunities available to Ukrainians.” You can learn more HERE or donate directly to the cause HERE.
The Nexa3D NXE 200 industrial 3D printer is one of the potential silent auction prizes, all proceeds going to Ukraine (photo credits: Nexa3D)
Will you participate in this silent auction to support Ukraine? Have you seen other ways the 3D printing community has worked to help Ukraine? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly newsletter here, bringing the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.
*Cover Photos Credit: Suiren2022, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Leave a Reply