Within this 3DPRIME project, VITO wants to take its technology for 3D printing (micro-extrusion) to a higher level by building a pilot line. This technology has the advantage that an exceptionally wide range of materials, including conventional materials (plastics and metals), but also ceramic materials, can be printed. As a result, functional components (catalysts, sorbents, heat exchangers and electrodes) can be produced via 3D printing, which can significantly increase the performance of these components. In this way, this technology and the intended pilot line can be used to, among other things, make the chemical and energy sector more sustainable. The production of functional components with higher performance via this micro-extrusion technology has already been demonstrated by VITO on the current (lab) infrastructure, in collaboration with several industrial partners. However, in order to further validate the technology in industrially relevant conditions, research infrastructure is needed that can produce larger quantities without sacrificing quality (resolution, shape accuracy, strength) and the number of suitable materials, at a competitive cost. This validation is a necessity and concrete demand from the (Flemish) companies before the step towards market introduction and implementation of these innovative functional components can be taken. Currently, there is no open-access pilot or production facility worldwide for this micro-extrusion 3D printing technology, which greatly hinders the validation of these components under relevant industrial conditions. The intended 3D pilot line is therefore an important addition to the expansion of VITO as a knowledge centre in 3D printing and will enable further co-creation and innovations in Flanders and beyond. For example, 3DPRIME will contribute to maintaining VITO's international position within this knowledge domain, and to further anchoring this knowledge and technology in Flanders. Specifically, 3DPRIME aims to build a state-of-the-art 3D micro-extrusion pilot line that can produce up to 1 ton/month of functional components from a wide range of materials (metal, composite and ceramic) in an automated, (semi-)continuous process with sufficiently high resolution (200-1600 μm). These components will firstly lead to extensive process intensification and thus facilitate the electrification and further sustainability of the chemical sector in Flanders. Secondly, the scale-up of this technology will allow functional materials for the energy sector, such as heat exchangers and electrodes, to be developed in a techno-economic way. As a result, the project also meets the Flemish Strategy for Smart Specialization, with priority areas such as sustainable chemistry, advanced materials, smart manufacturing industry and energy.