Fried Vancraen co-founded Materialise in 1990 with a mission to create a better and healthier world and a desire to make a difference using 3D printing. He served as the company’s CEO for 33 years. On January 1, 2024, Mr. Vancraen became Chairman of the Board and was succeeded as CEO by Brigitte de Vet-Veithen. He remains deeply connected to Materialise, engaging with customers and partners, and to the 3D printing industry.
Previously, he worked as a research engineer and consultant at the Research Institute of the Belgian Metalworking Industry, where he was introduced to 3D Printing.
Mr. Vancraen holds several patents related to the technical and medical applications of 3D Printing. He received the RTAM/SME Industry Achievement Award, the highest honor in the 3D printing industry. He was selected as the most influential person in additive manufacturing by industry professionals and TCT Magazine and was listed as one of the five leading players in his sector by the Financial Times. He is also the recipient of a 2013 Visionaries! award from the Museum of Art and Design in New York.
Mr. Vancraen holds a Master of Science in Electro-Mechanical Engineering and a Master in Business Administration from KU Leuven. He was included in the TCT Hall of Fame in 2017 for his contributions to the 3D printing industry.