“We focus on innovation and on seeing the bigger picture of what our client wants and needs,” smiles Mantvydas Matthew Narusevicius, founder of 3D printing venture, 3dome Malta, as he walks through a room buzzing with the electronic vibrations of dozens of printers. “We have over 30 printers here, with another 20 on the way. We also have a partner in Italy who works with another 56, so we’re very well stocked up,” he attests.

Just a few months ago, this was an empty room. Today, however, 3dome’s printers bring to life original creations, stock items, marketing material and household goods. “We can make whatever you can imagine with these machines. 3dome Malta represents freedom: the freedom to create anything. We’ve made key chains, pill boxes, figurines and even sculptures,” he explains.

3dome’s offices represent a kaleidoscope of sorts: a showroom of what can be – and has already been – made using the business’ 3D printers. “One of our first commissions came from a local businessman who wanted us to create a figurine of a Porsche. It was still early days, so it didn’t come out as perfectly as we wanted it to. However, that pushed us to refine our product. We then decided to create original busts, collaborating with a local graffiti artist, Cooker (Glenn Cauchi), to do so,” the founder states.

3dome also works with in-house designers who can create furniture, marine products, home décor, brand signage, cake toppers, mobile phone holders and badge holders. “Literally anything,” he adds, explaining that the initial investment in the company came from private capital.

He says that the company even worked on the 2026 electoral campaign, producing 15,000 keychains for one of the major parties. “As a gift, we gave the political parties Jenga pieces made in their colours and featuring their logos,” he laughs.

The advantages of bringing ideas to life through 3D printing are numerous, Mr Narusevicius insists. “First of all, CNC moulds are typically expensive, but with these machines we can create prototypes for products intended for larger-scale manufacturing. We can make these a lot faster and cheaper than more traditional manufacturers can. What we make is also functional, which means the objects can be used in many different contexts.”

 This can also prove useful for early-stage entrepreneurs looking to start a business and sell a particular product. “We can step in as manufacturers. The client just needs to provide the design and discuss it with our in-house team, and the item can then be made here, without incurring shipping costs. Anything can be made bespoke,” the founder continues.

Crucially, the objects are made from durable materials, Mr Narusevicius highlights. “This is not a cheap material; the process allows for cost efficiencies but, here, we’re talking about something that is made to last. 3D printed engineering materials have even been used in car manufacturing, and these can withstand enormous amounts of heat, for instance,” he explains.

The process by which the items are made also contributes to their strength, the founder says. “The design is sent to the printer, where recycled plastic pellets are processed into a thread that can be spooled. The printer creates things in layers, which need to be designed one by one. We are also careful about the type of material we use in these printers, particularly for items that will come into contact with food, as these need to be safe for use. We are also able to make plates, bowls and cutlery,” he notes.

The company’s 3D printers harness the latest technology. “The printers are run by AI. They have a camera that can detect spaghetti defects, for instance. This sends a signal to the machine to stop before there’s an actual failure, so we don’t waste any material. And, of course, AI also assists with the entire automation process,” he explains, stressing that the output is also monitored and crafted by the human hand and mind.

“From conception to the final product, we have a talented team that can guide clients towards their goals,” he says, explaining that first contact is usually made online, through the websites anystatues.com and 3domemalta.com, or via email.

“When we’re sent a design, our team enhances it and advises the client on how it can be improved. This usually takes a day. Once the quote is approved, we print the item and our artists paint it. We can create pop art, or enhance the object by adding glass or gold elements. We can create timeless pieces and one-off items, since everything is ultimately made individually. What we can make is limitless, and the lead time is a week at most,” Mr Narusevicius says.

The process also minimises waste, the founder continues. “These printers are energy-efficient, so we’re making things with fewer resources than would normally be required in traditional manufacturing. If we have any raw material or any filament left over, we can also reintegrate it, so we waste as little as possible,” he explains.

Mr Narusevicius refers to plans to dedicate part of the building housing 3dome to a plastic shredder “which gives plastic a second life. In the future, we’d also like to establish a recycling factory, a small plant where we can turn plastic into filament that can be reused. In other words, to offer a service where we can recycle not only our items, but also other people’s everyday plastic,” he says.

Looking ahead, the 3dome founder believes that 3D printing will become more widely adopted. “The world is drowning in plastic, and this is mainly due to single-use materials. But the products we make are easily recyclable, and they could even be used for road signs, school supplies, as well as sports equipment. They have an inherent community function. In this way, we also feel we’re giving back to our communities,” Mr Narusevicius concludes.