ORQA4M: A Maltese Innovation Pioneering The Future Of Large-Scale 3D Printing

Laser Engineering & Development Ltd. is in the final days of completing the ORQA4M project, a landmark initiative carried out within the Go-To-Market Accelerator Programme and supported by Xjenza Malta. The project has pushed forward Malta’s role in the global additive manufacturing sector, with the finishing touches expected within the coming days.

Over the past 18 months, the ORQA 3D printer has undergone significant technological upgrades. Building on its patent-pending laser-based print head, which allows faster speeds and stronger mechanical properties, the team has integrated several new features to enhance reliability and usability for industrial users.

Major Achievements of ORQA4M

As the project enters its closing stage, the following upgrades are already completed and undergoing final validation:

New Graphical User Interface (GUI): A user-friendly control system developed with pilot user feedback, improving accessibility and streamlining printer operation.

Adaptive Flatness-Controlled Printing Bed: A novel system of stepper motors that actively corrects the 2×1 metre aluminium bed before each print, ensuring consistent surface flatness and reducing print failures.

Enhanced Reliability: Iterative testing with pilot partners helped stabilise performance, reduce failed prints, and simplify the removal of finished parts.

Validated Industrial Applications: Collaboration with European pilot partners has confirmed ORQA’s readiness for real-world use cases in advanced manufacturing.

Looking Ahead

“We are just days away from closing the ORQA4M project, and the results are already very promising,” said Carmel Manicaro Busuttil, Managing Director of Laser Engineering & Development Ltd. “The upgrades we’ve developed bring ORQA closer than ever to becoming a competitive international product in large-format 3D printing.”

In parallel with the final project reporting, the company is preparing its next steps toward market entry, including international demonstrations and distribution partnerships.

For more information, visit www.lasermalta.com