Epicmeets, a Finnish startup focused on improving workplace dialogue, partnered with Prototal to bring its tactile 3D-printed Epics figures from concept to scalable production. Using Industrial 3D Printing with color dyeing, Prototal enabled high detail, consistent quality, and rapid iteration—allowing Epicmeets to launch complete product sets quickly and scale production without tooling.
Epicmeets is a Finish start up with the vision to foster meaningful dialogue in modern, global work environments. Founded by Robin Gustafsson and Thomas Tuominen, the company consists of a multicultural team with expertise in visual design, 3D design, UI/UX, brand development, and software. Epicmeets offers both a method and tools to strengthen communication within teams – digitally and physically. At the core are the colorful, 3D-printed Epics: small, metaphorical figures that participants can hold, move, and use to visually express their ideas during meetings and workshops.
The Challenge: Producing High-Quality, Scalable Tactile Tools
Research shows that a lack of engagement at work can cost companies up to 16% of their productivity – a global challenge that Epicmeets aims to address through physical, design-driven interaction tools.
To launch their Epics, Epicmeets needed a production partner who could:
- Deliver high surface quality with fine detail across many small, complex geometries
- Consistent color reproduction for multiple product variants
- Short lead times for small-to-medium production batches
- Competitive unit costs without investment in tooling
- Reliable quality control suitable for scaling production
Previous small-scale productions in Finland and Germany had struggled with surface finish and color variation. Epicmeets needed a reliable partner to scale up.
The Solution: Industrial 3D Printing with Prototal
After evaluating different suppliers across the Nordics and Europe, Epicmeets selected Prototal as its manufacturing partner.
Using Industrial 3D Printing combined with color dyeing as a post processing step, Prototal was able to produce the Epic figures with high dimensional accuracy, consistent surface quality, and uniform coloring – key factors for a tactile product.
The collaboration allowed for
- Iterative optimization of size, hole dimensions, and ergonomic fit
- Flexible production volumes, enabling Epicmeets to scale without tooling constraints
- Short and predictable lead times, supporting product launches and replenishment
“Prototal has demonstrated a level of service and quality that’s rare. The collaboration enabled us to launch the Epics quickly and with high quality.”
– Robin Gustafsson, Founder & CEO, Epicmeets Oy
Results: Faster Time-to-Market and Scalable Production
With Prototal’s Industrial 3D Printing capabilities, Epicmeets was able to:
- Rapidly launch their first complete product boxes for various use cases such as team meetings, strategy work, cultural development, and innovation workshops
- Reduce time-to-market compared to traditional manufacturing methods
- Produce small and medium batches without tooling
- Ensure Nordic-based production with a focus on quality and sustainability
The result is a scalable concept already being used in workshops and training sessions around the world – from leadership programs to creative team exercises.
From Idea to Global Dialogue
The Epicmeets journey demonstrates how Industrial 3D Printing can bring a creative idea from concept and prototype to finished product with high precision and short lead times – particularly for design-driven products requiring high detail, flexibility and fast iteration. More about Epicmeets on YouTube and LinkedIn.
For companies developing physical products, where form, feel and function are equally important, Industrial 3D Printing offers a scalable and cost-effective path to market
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Whether you’re launching a startup concept or reinventing an established production solution, Prototal combines speed, scalability, and flexibility – all under one roof.
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