The Minds Behind Rapid Shape:
Paul Eichinger on Innovation, Strategy, and the Future of 3D Printing
Meet Paul Eichinger, MSc., whose journey from Master’s student to innovation leader showcases the evolution of additive manufacturing at Rapid Shape.
[Paul Eichinger]
About Paul Eichinger: From Student to 3D Printing Innovation Leader
Paul Eichinger’s relationship with Rapid Shape began in 2017 as a Master’s student in our R&D team, and his passion for 3D printing has only deepened since then. His experience spans from industrial applications at Daimler AG to academic leadership, teaching rapid manufacturing at the University of Aalen.
In 2020, Paul launched his startup, Personomic, which combines his expertise in 3D printing with his passion for cycling, producing custom bike grips and saddles. Today, he is a core member of Rapid Shape’s R&D team, often serving as the first testing ground for breakthrough innovations.
3D Printing Is My Passion – An exclusive interview with Paul Eichinger
From Intern to Innovation Leader: The Journey Back to Rapid Shape
Q: You first joined Rapid Shape as an intern in 2017, and now, seven years later, you’ve returned. What drew you back to Heimsheim and Rapid Shape?
Paul: My passion for additive manufacturing never faded, and Rapid Shape represents exactly the kind of innovation-driven culture I was seeking: creative, technology-focused, and open to new ideas. That combination brought me back.
Understanding Predevelopment & Strategy in 3D Printing
Q: Your role is called “Predevelopment & Strategy” – which sounds intriguing but might not be clear to everyone. What exactly does that involve? What does a typical day look like to you?
Paul: To me, predevelopment is the most exciting area to work in because it’s where the groundwork for future innovations is laid. As someone who loves tinkering and experimenting, I often develop small devices or test setups to gain valuable insights. Even the smallest discoveries help improve our 3D printers – and when combined, they help ensure that Rapid Shape continues to offer some of the fastest printers on the market.
My daily work mainly revolves around building prototypes, developing test systems, and experimenting with concepts that may later make their way into final products. Thanks to my experience as a startup founder, I’m also involved in strategic topics from time to time – especially when it comes to identifying and evaluating new business opportunities.
Current Projects: Revolutionary Innovation in Development
Q: Can you share what you’re currently working on?
Paul: The most exciting projects in my field are those with high innovation potential and significant opportunities. But where there’s opportunity, there’s often risk too. That’s why I only discuss such innovations once the key risks have been resolved. What I can say is this: once it’s ready, it’s going to be revolutionary.
Proven Innovations: The Crystal Polish Tray Success Story
Q: Let’s look back then – which of your innovations are already being used by our customers today?
Paul: One real highlight was the development of the RS Crystal Polish Tray. It allows dental splints to be 3D printed with a polished surface right out of the printer – a huge advantage for our customers in the dental and hearing aid industries.
Entrepreneurship Meets Engineering: The Personomic Story
Q: You’re not just an engineer – you’re also a founder. With Personomic, you launched a startup for custom bike components. How did that idea come about?
Paul: 3D printing has been my favorite hobby for over ten years – a passion that still excites me today. During my university studies, I deepened that interest and eventually founded Personomic out of the University of Stuttgart, turning my hobby into a career. As a dedicated cycling enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by customized bike parts. This late summer, we’ll be launching something special: a bike saddle made entirely using 3D printing.
Q: And what about at home – do you have a 3D printer there too, or maybe more than one?
Paul: The line between work and home is pretty blurred for me – not least because there are several 3D printers in both the kitchen and the living room. Instead of spices, my kitchen shelves are stocked with about 30 spools of filament, and the living room looks like a mini 3D printing exhibition with over 50 printed objects on display.
[Paul at home in his private workshop]
