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Client: NamWater
Industry: Architectural Models
Service: 3D Modelling • Electronic Integration • Educational Display Models
Upon being awarded a tender, Printhoek 3D collaborated with NamWater to develop an educational miniature model of the Swakopmund Desalination Plant designed as an interactive educational and stakeholder demonstration tool.
To accurately represent the facility, our team conducted on-site visits coordinated through Orano Group, studying the infrastructure’s layout and process flow. Due to IP restrictions, we reconstructed the plant using NASA and USGS terrain data, Google Maps imagery, and the engineer provided visuals ensuring both technical accuracy and creative representation. In addition we collaborated with the NamWater stakeholders to finalise the design.
The model, measuring 700 × 800 mm, combined FDM and MSLA 3D printing to balance large structural elements with fine detail. The entire assembly was designed and developed by Printhoek 3D showcasing its ability to offer turnkey solutions in the architectural modelling industry.
Hybrid 3D Printing: FDM for structures, MSLA for fine components
Integrated Electronics: Arduino-controlled LEDs simulate each treatment stage
Interactive Push-Button Cycle: Demonstrates water flow from intake to output
Custom Airbrushed Terrain: Hand-painted by professional tattoo artist, Kelly Reissner for realism
Turnkey Engineering Solution: Including welded stand, enclosures, and assembly
This model enables stakeholder education, showcasing how Namibia’s desalination systems operate and how public funds are utilized. NamWater now deploys it at major exhibitions such as the Ongwediva Trade Fair, Mining Expo, and other industry events helping them communicate complex water treatment processes through tangible, functional design.
The project spanned two months, with iterative design reviews and prototype testing to ensure precision and durability.
Client: NamWater
Industry: Architectural Models
Service: 3D Modelling • Electronic Simulation • Interactive Display
The Von Bach Surface Water Treatment Plant model was created to illustrate the full water purification process in a visually engaging and educational format. After an on-site visit with NamWater engineers, including M.K. Kayofa and Esther Hatutele, the Printhoek 3D team mapped the plant layout using a combination of SolidWorks drawings, NASA/USGS terrain data, and Google Maps imagery.
Collaborating with NamWater engineers onsite and Seelenbinder Consulting Engineers (SCE) and guided by reference materials provided by Director Elton Heyman, we recreated the facility at 700 × 800 mm scale, ensuring an accurate representation of the treatment process from intake to output.
Integrated Electronics: Arduino-based LED sequencing to demonstrate treatment stages
Mechanical Simulation: Servo motors animate the clariflocculators for realism
Hybrid 3D Printing: FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) methods for fine structural detailing
Custom Airbrushed Terrain: Professional finishing by tattoo artist Kelly Reisner
Turnkey Design: Stand, enclosure, and full assembly completed in-house
This compact yet detailed model helps NamWater visually communicate the complex treatment process to stakeholders, educational institutions, and visitors.
It forms part of a series of interactive display models developed for NamWater each highlighting the integration of engineering, design, and technology in public infrastructure visualization.
Client: NamWater
Industry: Architectural Models
Service: 3D Terrain Modelling • Electronic Integration • Educational Demonstration Model
The Coastal Water Supply Scheme model presented a unique challenge. Following multiple consultations with M.K Kayofa and Esther Hatutale and an on-site visit to NamWater’s Swakopmund base with Janine Vorster, Printhoek 3D was tasked with visualizing how water flows from key regional sources including the Omdel Dam and Swakopmund Desalination Plant , as well as the Southern Reservoirs to supply both mining operations and areas across Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
To achieve this, our team combined Google Maps data, NASA/USGS terrain datasets, and custom pipeline layouts designed with addressable LED lighting to trace the water’s journey across the coast. The final display measured 1.0 × 1.5 meters, composed of 40 precision 3D printed tiles seamlessly joined to form a realistic terrain base.
Terrain Reconstruction: Based on Google Maps & NASA/USGS data
Interactive Lighting: Arduino-controlled LEDs simulate water flow direction
High Precision Assembly: 40 interlocking 3D printed tiles with tight tolerances
Custom Finishing: Professional airbrushed terrain detailing by tattoo artist, Kelly Reissner
Scale Model Dimensions: 1.0 m × 1.5 m
This large-scale educational model helps NamWater visually demonstrate the interconnected flow of Namibia’s coastal water network, from source to distribution. It stands as a tangible representation of national infrastructure merging engineering accuracy, data visualization, and artistic craftsmanship into a single functional exhibit.
The Coastal Scheme was the first and largest of three NamWater models completed, spanning roughly three months of development
Client: Namibia Medical Engineering
Industry: Industrial / Medical Waste Management
Service: LiDAR Scanning • CAD Development • Scale Model Design • Additive Manufacturing
Printhoek 3D was commissioned by Namibia Medical Engineering to create a physical scale model of a proposed containerized incinerator system for presentation at Mining Expo.
The project was not a simple display model. The client needed a physical representation of an evolving technical concept that could be reviewed, understood, and presented before full-scale deployment. This required the model to remain connected to the real system while still being practical to manufacture at scale-model size.
Using a combination of manual measurements, LiDAR scan data, CAD development, and additive manufacturing, PH3D translated the concept into a physical model that could communicate layout, structure, and system intent clearly to stakeholders.
The final model allowed the proposed containerized incinerator system to be presented in a way that drawings and digital references alone could not achieve.
This project shows how physical models can support industrial decision-making before a full-scale system is built.
By converting an evolving technical concept into a tangible model, Printhoek 3D helped Namibia Medical Engineering communicate the system more clearly, support stakeholder discussions, and present the project with greater confidence at Mining Expo.
Client: Confidential
Industry: Medical / Healthcare Equipment
Service: Reverse Engineering • CAD Reconstruction • Additive Manufacturing • Replacement Part Manufacturing
Printhoek 3D was commissioned to recreate a failed handle assembly for a medical oxygen cylinder after the original component could no longer perform reliably.
The project focused on replacing the external handle assembly, not altering the oxygen cylinder or pressure system itself. The part needed to fit the existing cylinder interface, allow safe handling, and restore usability without waiting for imported replacement parts.
PH3D reverse engineered the failed component, rebuilt the geometry in CAD, and manufactured a replacement part locally through additive manufacturing. The design process focused on fitment, handling, strength, and compatibility with the existing equipment.
By producing the component locally, the client had a practical replacement pathway for a small but important medical equipment part.
This project shows how reverse engineering can support healthcare equipment maintenance when small external components fail or become difficult to source.
By recreating the oxygen cylinder handle assembly locally, Printhoek 3D helped restore function to existing equipment and reduced the delay associated with waiting for replacement parts through normal supply channels.
Client: Confidential
Industry: Industrial Manufacturing
Service: Metrology-Grade 3D Scanning • Reverse Engineering • CAD Reconstruction • Additive Manufacturing • Material Testing Support
Printhoek 3D was commissioned to reverse engineer a corroded pump housing used in an industrial environment where repeated exposure to a dilute acidic solution had caused the original component to fail.
The project was not only about recreating the shape of the damaged housing. The more important requirement was understanding why the part was failing and creating a replacement pathway that could support fit testing, performance checks, and future material improvement.
Using metrology-grade 3D scanning, PH3D captured the remaining geometry of the damaged housing and reconstructed the missing and degraded features in CAD. The digital model was then prepared for additive manufacturing, allowing initial replacement units to be produced for fit and functional validation before committing to a more specialised long-term material.
This approach allowed the client to test the component geometry first, reduce uncertainty, and move toward a more chemically resistant solution with better technical confidence.
This project shows how reverse engineering can support industrial maintenance and material development when existing components fail under operating conditions.
By capturing the damaged part, rebuilding the geometry digitally, and producing initial units for validation, Printhoek 3D helped the client move from repeated component failure toward a more controlled replacement and testing process.
Whitney is an industrial designer redefining the intersection of creativity and advanced manufacturing. At Printhoek 3D, she bridges engineering precision and visual design, ensuring every product reflects both function and identity. Her expertise in digital fabrication and branding enhances the bureau’s capabilities, turning innovation into design that inspires.
Whitney Namwi Ntema
Industrial Designer & Branding Specialist
Daniel is a mechatronic engineer with a strong background in programming, electronics, and product development. He has collaborated with Printhoek 3D on groundbreaking projects such as PET recycling systems and advanced prototyping solutions. Driven by curiosity and problem-solving, he brings research and innovation that turn ambitious ideas into practical technologies.
Daniel James Godfrey
Mechatronic Engineer & R&D Specialist
Justin oversees workshop operations and ensures every print that leaves Printhoek 3D meets uncompromising quality standards. With years of hands-on expertise in additive manufacturing, inspection, and post-processing, he is dedicated to producing precise, reliable results. His eye for detail and commitment to excellence safeguard the bureau’s reputation for world-class precision.
Justin Rain Cole
Workshop & Quality Lead
Gino blends mechanical design expertise with sharp business and financial insight to keep Printhoek 3D operating at peak efficiency. From managing multi-printer farms to implementing real-time tracking systems, he ensures smooth workflows and scalable growth. His ability to connect engineering precision with strategic operations makes him a driving force behind the bureau’s expansion.
Gino Fourie
Head of Operations
Romar is a mechanical engineer and entrepreneur driving Industry 4.0 in Namibia. He founded Printhoek 3D to pioneer advanced additive manufacturing and has over a decade of experience in 3D printing, scanning, and mechanical design. His mission is to push the boundaries of what’s possible, transforming complex engineering challenges into future-ready solutions
Rodolfo Marcial (Romar) Rañola Quitasol
Founder & CEO
