ADDITIV Polymers World: Unlocking the Future of Polymer 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

Building on the resounding success of our previous ADDITIV virtual events, which have consistently connected leading additive manufacturing professionals with crucial stakeholders across diverse industries, the premier virtual event platform for 3D printing is proud to announce its return. This time, we invite you to mark your calendars for October 5th, from 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM EDT (3:00 – 7:30 PM CEST), for the inaugural edition of ADDITIV Polymers World. This essential half-day virtual event is meticulously crafted to explore, in depth, the indispensable role of polymers in the rapidly evolving landscape of 3D printing. We are thrilled to host an anticipated audience of over 500 attendees, offering a dynamic program filled with insightful panel discussions, practical workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities. With the invaluable support of our esteemed sponsors and partners, including industry giants like Prodways and INTAMSYS, alongside influential organizations such as SPE, SPE Additive Manufacturing, IAM3DHUB, ASTM International, AMGTA, Wevolver, and AMSE, ADDITIV Polymers World promises to be a pivotal event for anyone engaged with polymer additive manufacturing. Don’t miss this chance to gain critical insights and forge valuable connections – register for free to attend today!

While advancements in metal 3D printing have captured significant attention and experienced exponential growth in recent years, it remains an undeniable fact that polymers continue to form the fundamental backbone of the entire additive manufacturing industry. Their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and diverse material properties make them the go-to choice for a vast array of applications, from rapid prototyping and functional parts to end-use components across countless sectors. The market data reinforces this prominence: the global 3D printing plastics market was impressively valued at $721 million in 2022. Forecasts from Markets and Markets indicate a trajectory of continuous expansion, projecting an astonishing worth of $1.9 billion by 2027. This anticipated growth underscores the critical importance of understanding polymer materials, their processing, and their applications in 3D printing. But with such a wide range of options, how do you determine which specific polymers are most suitable for additive manufacturing? What are their most impactful applications in today’s industries? What rigorous processes are involved in certifying parts produced with polymer 3D printing for demanding environments? And how can manufacturers effectively identify the optimal 3D printing process that perfectly aligns with their specific needs and production goals? ADDITIV Polymers World is specifically designed to provide comprehensive answers to these pivotal questions and many more, empowering attendees with the knowledge to navigate this dynamic field.

Polymers are a key material in 3D printing and are part of a number of different AM technologies including resin processes, offering unparalleled versatility for diverse applications.

What Can You Expect to Discover at ADDITIV Polymers World?

At the core of ADDITIV Polymers World’s engaging program are three dynamic panel discussions and three highly informative workshops, strategically scheduled throughout the half-day event to maximize learning and interaction. Our distinguished speakers, representing leading institutions such as the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and other industry pioneers, will guide these discussions, delving deep into various facets of polymer 3D printing. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into the strategic use of composites versus high-performance polymers in advanced additive manufacturing applications, understanding their respective strengths and ideal use cases across demanding sectors like aerospace, automotive, and medical. Another panel will illuminate the transformative role of polymer 3D printing in the creation of innovative consumer goods, exploring how it enables mass customization, accelerates product development cycles, and fosters unprecedented design freedom. Furthermore, a crucial discussion will focus on strategies to move towards a more sustainable and circular economy through additive manufacturing with plastic materials, addressing topics like material recycling, bio-based polymers, and waste reduction. These discussions are crafted to provide high-level strategic perspectives on the future of polymer AM.

Complementing the broader strategic discussions, the workshops at ADDITIV Polymers World offer targeted, expert-led presentations on specific, practical topics critical to successful polymer 3D printing. These sessions are designed to equip participants with actionable knowledge and best practices. One workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of essential post-processing techniques, with a particular focus on achieving superior surface finishing. Understanding these techniques – from sanding and polishing to vapor smoothing and specialized coatings – is vital for enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and functional performance of 3D printed polymer parts. Another workshop will demystify the complex certification process for parts manufactured using polymer 3D printing. This is particularly relevant for industries where regulatory compliance and part reliability are paramount, such as medical devices, aerospace components, and automotive applications. Experts will guide attendees through the requirements, standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO), and best practices for achieving successful part certification. Finally, a workshop dedicated to maximizing the potential of engineering materials for additive manufacturing will explore how to select, process, and optimize advanced polymers like PEEK, ULTEM, and various nylons to achieve desired mechanical properties, thermal resistance, and durability. This session will cover crucial aspects of material science and process parameters that unlock the full potential of these high-performance polymers. For a complete breakdown of all sessions, speakers, and timings, we encourage you to consult the detailed agenda HERE.

Alex Martel, CEO of 3Dnatives, encapsulates the profound significance of this upcoming event: “As the additive manufacturing industry continues its exciting journey towards greater maturity and widespread industrialization, polymers steadfastly remain one of the most fundamentally important and versatile material categories. Consequently, platforms such as ADDITIV Polymers World, which facilitate the gathering of experts from disparate sectors to collaboratively discuss and dissect various critical aspects of additive manufacturing with plastics, are not just beneficial, but absolutely crucial for accelerating innovation and adoption. It is precisely for these reasons that we, at ADDITIV and 3Dnatives, express immense pride and excitement in unveiling this latest event. Our commitment lies in continuously empowering our audience, ensuring they remain at the absolute forefront of the latest trends, groundbreaking developments, and transformative applications across all 3D technologies.” His statement underscores the strategic importance of this focused event in a dynamic and ever-evolving industry. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, ADDITIV Polymers World serves as a vital nexus for knowledge exchange and future collaboration, driving the entire polymer 3D printing sector forward. We extend a warm invitation for you to join this essential discussion and register for the event for free HERE. Engage with pioneers, discover new possibilities, and contribute to shaping the future of additive manufacturing with polymers.

At ADDITIV Polymers World, we will explore the critical intersection of 3D printing and advanced polymer materials, unveiling innovations and future directions.

Are you planning to attend ADDITIV Polymers World and contribute to the vibrant discussions surrounding polymer additive manufacturing? We would love to hear your thoughts and anticipation for the event! Let us know your expectations or what topics you’re most excited about in a comment below. You can also join the conversation and connect with our community on ourLinkedIn,Facebook, andTwitter pages! Engaging with us on social media is a fantastic way to stay updated on all the latest event news, speaker announcements, and industry insights. Moreover, to ensure you never miss out on critical developments in the world of 3D printing, don’t forget to sign up for our free weeklyNewsletter here – delivering the freshest 3D printing news directly to your inbox every week. For those who prefer visual learning and in-depth demonstrations, you can also find a comprehensive library of all our informative videos and event highlights on our dedicatedYouTube channel. We look forward to seeing you at ADDITIV Polymers World and continuing the exciting dialogue on the future of polymer 3D printing!