The Birth of the Micro Factory

Beneath the golden glow of the setting sun, a quiet revolution is taking shape. In a small industrial hub nestled between green meadows and the open weerribben area, the construction of the Micro Factory is underway. It is not just another manufacturing facility; it is a vision coming to life—a sustainable future for windsurfing boards, designed and built with the purest of intentions.

At the heart of this transformation is the Soul Surfer Project, an ambitious initiative that seeks to change the way windsurfing boards are created. For years, traditional manufacturing methods have relied on toxic resins, excessive waste, and hazardous working conditions. But Pure Soul BV has a different idea. They envision a process that not only preserves the environment but also protects the people behind the craftsmanship. And so, the Micro Factory is born.

Harnessing the power of the sun, the factory is built to be solar-powered, eliminating its carbon footprint while ensuring continuous production. Within its walls stands the towering Modix 120Z, a large-scale 3D printer capable of bringing intricate board designs to life with precision and vibrant colors. Alongside it, the Nomad Tech RedFox 1100*750 CNC machine hums, its precision cutting through material with the accuracy of a master craftsman.

The design process itself is a fusion of artistry and engineering. Using Shape3D and Fusion360, the team meticulously crafts each board in the digital realm before transforming those designs into physical reality. The outer structure of the boards emerges from the 3D printer in colorful, eye-catching filaments, a stark contrast to the lifeless molds of traditional manufacturing. Meanwhile, the Nomad RedFox CNC machine carves the inner core structure with seamless precision, ensuring both strength and weight optimization.

The innovation doesn't stop there. Unlike traditional boards laden with harmful adhesives and synthetic finishes, these boards are built with nature in mind. The monocoque structure, a marvel of lightweight durability, is wrapped in a composite of paulownia wood, flax, and basalt fiber. This unique combination provides unmatched strength and resilience while staying true to the project's eco-friendly mission.

Gone are the days of chemical-heavy finishing touches. Instead of layers of epoxy, these boards embrace a minimalist aesthetic—no paint, no stickers. Every detail is intentional, from the cork foot padding that provides a natural, grippy surface to the laser-engraved logos that replace printed decals. A final coat of linseed oil seals the board, giving it a smooth, organic finish that is as pleasing to the touch as it is to the eye.

The Micro Factory is more than just a place of production—it is a testament to the power of sustainable innovation. Each board that leaves its doors carries with it a story of change, a promise of a better future for windsurfing and beyond. The revolution has begun, and with every wave these boards ride, they carve a new path toward a cleaner, greener world.