Formnext 2022: Unveiling the Latest Innovations and Revolutionary Solutions in Additive Manufacturing

Frankfurt, Germany – the global hub for additive manufacturing, Formnext, once again opened its doors this morning to an atmosphere charged with innovation and anticipation. The buzz is truly palpable, with thousands of industry professionals, engineers, and enthusiasts eagerly filling the sprawling exhibition halls. Visitors are pouring through the aisles, keen to witness firsthand the cutting-edge developments and groundbreaking solutions that are shaping the future of 3D printing and industrial production. With over 800 exhibitors spread across four massive halls and more than 50,000 square meters, navigating the vast array of offerings can be a formidable task. From state-of-the-art 3D printers to advanced scanners, intelligent software, and sophisticated post-processing machines, Formnext 2022 showcases the entire additive manufacturing ecosystem. Our dedicated teams have traversed these expansive halls, carefully curating a selection of the most outstanding 3D solutions and significant launches. We are excited to share these highlights with you, offering a glimpse into the innovations poised to revolutionize various sectors. We extend our best wishes for a productive and inspiring experience at the show and encourage you to subscribe to our dedicated Formnext newsletter to ensure you don’t miss any crucial updates from this unparalleled international event.

Lynxter’s S300X: Pioneering Industrial Silicone 3D Printing

French manufacturer Lynxter is making a significant splash at Formnext with the introduction of its newest silicone 3D printer, the S300X. This innovative solution is meticulously engineered for the creation of high-quality parts using medical and industrial-grade silicones and polyurethanes. The S300X integrates advanced Independent Dual Extrusion (IDEX) technology, a feature that significantly enhances its versatility and capabilities. This system allows for independent operation of two tool heads: a single-component L1Q11 tool head designed for printing the substrate, and a dual-component LIQ21 tool head dedicated to depositing various materials. This unique configuration empowers users to design and produce exceptionally complex geometries, while also enabling the combination of two distinct materials. The ability to blend materials expands the spectrum of possibilities for achieving diverse final part properties, opening doors for novel applications in fields requiring specific mechanical, thermal, or chemical characteristics. The S300X boasts a substantial print volume of 300 x 250 x 200 mm, accommodating a broad range of part sizes. It offers impressive precision with a layer height adjustable between 100 microns and 1 mm, catering to both fine detail and rapid prototyping requirements. Proudly manufactured in Bayonne, in the south of France, this cutting-edge silicone 3D printer also incorporates the intuitive HUB platform. This platform provides users with seamless access to advanced print profiles, comprehensive guides, and helpful tutorials, significantly enhancing the overall user experience and streamlining the additive manufacturing process. Discover this transformative solution at Lynxter’s booth, located in Hall 11.1-E02, or explore more detailed specifications by clicking HERE.

Markforged’s Enhanced Software: Elevating Additive Manufacturing Simulation

Another pivotal innovation captivating attendees at the Frankfurt trade show originates from Markforged, a company renowned for its robust industrial and desktop 3D printing solutions. Markforged chose Formnext as the platform to unveil significant new Simulation features integrated into its additive manufacturing software. This strategic update is designed to empower companies to significantly broaden their application of 3D technologies, particularly for more demanding and critical production scenarios. The newly introduced Simulation capabilities are seamlessly compatible with Markforged’s established Eiger™ software workflow, providing a powerful tool for engineers and designers. It allows for the virtual validation of part strength and stiffness, a crucial step in ensuring the reliability and performance of 3D printed components. Users can now conduct virtual testing by precisely identifying anchor and load surfaces within their designs, then inputting specific values for applied loads, desired factor of safety, and maximum allowable deflection. This analytical approach not only accelerates the design iteration process but also minimizes the need for costly physical prototypes, significantly reducing development time and material waste. Furthermore, these enhanced simulation features are expected to facilitate a smoother and more confident adoption of Markforged’s “Digital Forge” in manufacturing operations. By providing predictable performance insights, the software helps bridge the gap between design and functional part production, making additive manufacturing a more viable and trusted method for high-stakes industrial applications. For comprehensive information regarding this crucial software release, interested parties can click HERE, or visit Markforged at their Formnext stand 12.0-D61.

3YOURMIND’s On-Demand Manufacturing Software: Revolutionizing Production Efficiency

In the realm of 3D printing solutions, the importance of robust and intelligent software cannot be overstated. At Formnext 2022, 3YOURMIND is powerfully drawing attention to its pioneering on-demand manufacturing software, a solution designed to fundamentally transform how companies manage and produce parts. The eponymous 3YOURMIND solution empowers businesses across various sectors – from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and operating companies to contract manufacturers – to efficiently identify, manage, and produce parts precisely when and where they are needed. This innovative platform facilitates the creation of comprehensive digital inventories of qualified parts, leading to a multitude of operational advantages. By digitizing and streamlining the inventory process, companies can significantly reduce storage costs, drastically shorten production lead times, and foster more efficient and agile manufacturing operations. This approach minimizes waste and obsolescence, aligning perfectly with modern lean manufacturing principles. Through the strategic application of advanced manufacturing technologies and data-driven decision-making, the 3YOURMIND software enables organizations to produce parts faster, optimize for lighter designs, and unlock substantial cost-saving potential. Its user-friendly, continuous data platform further enhances collaboration by allowing manufacturers to seamlessly communicate and distribute production jobs to a network of approved suppliers. This secure and efficient communication channel ensures that parts are produced to specification, on time, and within budget. Ultimately, this sophisticated software solution plays a critical role in increasing fleet availability and overall reliability, contributing to the development of more resilient supply chains. This translates directly into reduced operational expenditures and significant savings on overstock costs. The tangible benefits are clearly demonstrated by user statistics: 3YOURMIND reports that clients have experienced up to 30% lower operational costs and remarkable inventory reductions of up to 75%. To delve deeper into this transformative technology, you can find more information HERE or visit their dedicated Formnext stand 11.1-D58.

LIQTRA’s FX-7 Pro: A Multi-Nozzle FDM 3D Printer for Unprecedented Productivity

German startup LIQTRA is turning heads at Formnext with the debut of its groundbreaking FDM 3D printer, the LIQTRA™ FX-7 Pro. This machine distinguishes itself by incorporating an impressive seven nozzles on its print head, a revolutionary design that promises to redefine productivity in fused deposition modeling. The key to its advanced performance lies in the individual control of each nozzle. This independent control allows for multiple printing strategies to be executed simultaneously, such as printing different infill patterns, varying wall thicknesses, or even utilizing different materials or colors in a single print job. This intelligent approach significantly boosts throughput and opens up new avenues for complex part creation. LIQTRA asserts that its FX-7 Pro machine delivers an astounding 300% improvement in productivity compared to conventional FDM printers, alongside a 37% increase in the quality of finished parts and a remarkable 75% reduction in overall manufacturing time. These figures highlight the machine’s potential to dramatically streamline production workflows and enhance the economic viability of FDM for industrial applications. Scheduled for availability from January 2023, the FX-7 Pro is compatible with high-performance engineering thermoplastics such as polypropylene and polyamide, expanding its utility across a range of industrial applications. It offers a generous print volume of 425 x 305 x 500 mm, accommodating sizable components. Visitors to Formnext can experience this innovative multi-nozzle machine firsthand at the German manufacturer’s booth, located in Hall 12.1-G89, and witness the future of FDM technology.

Raise3D’s Hyper Speed Upgrade Kit for Pro3 Series: Redefining FFF Performance

Raise3D, a leading manufacturer in the additive manufacturing space, is addressing the critical need for increased speed and efficiency in Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) with its innovative Hyper Speed Upgrade Kit for its flagship Pro3 Series 3D printers. This significant enhancement is designed to accelerate printing speeds by an astounding 3.8 times faster than many competing solutions currently available on the market. The ultimate goal is to deliver unparalleled productivity to users without compromising the exceptional surface quality and superior layer adhesion that Raise3D machines are known for. At the core of this breakthrough is a new technology dubbed Hyper FFF. This system is built upon a sophisticated algorithm capable of intelligently determining an optimized acceleration model for print operations. Crucially, this algorithm actively works to eliminate machine vibrations, which are often a limiting factor in high-speed FFF printing, ensuring precision and stability even at elevated speeds. Beyond the intelligent control system, the Hyper Speed Upgrade Kit also introduces a new generation of proprietary filaments. Raise3D has developed two distinct ranges – Hyper Speed and Hyper Core – specifically engineered to complement the Hyper FFF technology. These advanced filaments are formulated to withstand the rigors of high-speed printing, ensuring excellent material flow, minimal stringing, and, most importantly, a total absence of warping. This synergistic approach, combining intelligent motion control with optimized materials, allows Raise3D users to achieve faster print times while consistently producing high-quality, dimensionally accurate parts. More detailed information on this transformative upgrade can be found at Raise3D’s stand C10, in Hall 12.1.

Artec 3D and its High-Accuracy Metrology Kit: Precision Measurement for Quality Control

Renowned 3D scanner manufacturer Artec 3D is leveraging Formnext to showcase its groundbreaking metrology kit for the very first time since its launch last October. This innovative system represents a significant advancement in industrial inspection and quality control. Available in two versatile versions – an entry-level option for broader accessibility and a professional variant for demanding applications – Artec 3D’s metrology kit is a sophisticated 3D optical coordinate measurement system. It is engineered to deliver exceptionally high-accuracy inspection capabilities, boasting a remarkable precision down to 2 micrometers. This level of accuracy is critical for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing, where minute deviations can have significant consequences. The core of this solution lies in its advanced photogrammetry technology, which allows for rapid and precise capture of three-dimensional data. A key advantage of Artec 3D’s kit is its outstanding portability, making it an ideal tool for on-site inspections, large-scale object measurements, or deployment in various production environments. Unlike traditional fixed CMMs, this transportable solution offers unparalleled flexibility. Furthermore, it excels in its ability to quickly and accurately capture moving objects, expanding its utility beyond static measurements and into dynamic process monitoring. This capability is particularly beneficial for analyzing components on production lines or complex assemblies that cannot be easily brought to a stationary measurement station. Formnext attendees interested in enhancing their quality assurance processes and leveraging cutting-edge metrology can find the Artec 3D metrology kit prominently displayed at the manufacturer’s booth, Hall 12.1-E01.

WASP Focuses on Sustainability with Advanced Large-Format 3D Printers

Italian manufacturer WASP is making a strong statement at Formnext 2022 by unveiling a series of new 3D printers that underscore a significant commitment to sustainability and large-format additive manufacturing. Their latest offerings span both FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) for traditional thermoplastics and LDM (Liquid Deposition Modeling) for dense fluid materials like ceramics and concrete. WASP has specifically engineered large-format machines optimized for the deposition of molten materials, with a primary focus on enabling the use of recycled materials. This dedication to incorporating circular economy principles into additive manufacturing positions WASP as a leader in environmentally conscious production. By leveraging recycled feedstocks, WASP aims to reduce material waste, lower the carbon footprint of production, and offer more sustainable alternatives for construction and industrial applications. On the LDM front, WASP introduces the Delta WASP 40100 Clay Production, a specialized ceramic 3D printer designed for artistic, architectural, and industrial ceramic fabrication. This machine opens up possibilities for producing large-scale ceramic objects with complex geometries that would be challenging or impossible with traditional methods. Complementing this, they also present the CSF Concrete HD, a robust concrete 3D printing solution featuring a patented self-cleaning extruder. This innovation addresses common challenges in concrete printing, ensuring consistent material flow and minimizing maintenance. Finally, the 60100 HDP is another highlight, a versatile 3D printer designed for granules. This machine is compatible with high-performance polymers such as PEEK, offering industrial users the ability to print robust, high-temperature resistant parts directly from pelletized material, which can often be a more cost-effective and sustainable feedstock than filament. WASP’s presence at Formnext clearly demonstrates their vision for additive manufacturing as a key driver for sustainable industrial growth.

Fiberneering’s XD2: Breaking Barriers with an XXL DLP 3D Printer

For years, resin 3D printers, particularly those employing Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology, have been celebrated for their exceptional detail and smooth surface finishes. However, a common limitation has been the relatively small size of their build platforms, restricting the dimensions of parts that can be produced. The Dutch company Fiberneering is directly addressing this challenge at Formnext, remedying this long-standing disadvantage with the introduction of its groundbreaking large-format DLP machine, the XD2. This revolutionary printer is being unveiled for the first time, and it boasts an impressive print volume of 518 x 415 x 1000 mm. What’s even more remarkable is that the XD2 is described as their smallest model, hinting at even larger machines in their development pipeline. This expanded build volume opens up a wealth of new applications for resin 3D printing, enabling the production of full-scale prototypes, large industrial components, and intricate architectural models that were previously unfeasible with DLP technology. Beyond the hardware, Fiberneering is also actively developing its own proprietary materials, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility with their large-format systems. Among these are the Standard Blue X10 resin, offering reliable and versatile performance for general applications, and the Tough X08, specifically formulated for its superior impact resistance. This focus on both advanced machinery and tailored material development positions Fiberneering as a key innovator in the industrial resin 3D printing landscape, capable of pushing the boundaries of what is possible with DLP technology. Visitors eager to explore the potential of large-scale resin printing should make it a point to visit Fiberneering’s stand.

DyeMansion Introduces the Powerfuse S PP: Green and Industrial Vapor Polishing for Polypropylene

To conclude our curated snapshot of the most compelling 3D solutions at Formnext this year, we turn our attention to the crucial final stage of additive manufacturing: post-processing. DyeMansion, a leader in post-processing solutions, is showcasing a particularly noteworthy innovation: the Powerfuse S PP. According to the company, this system stands out as one of the first truly green and industrial solutions capable of performing vapor polishing on 3D printed polypropylene (PP) parts. The significance of this breakthrough cannot be overstated. Polypropylene is a highly valued material in additive manufacturing due to its excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and cost-effectiveness. However, its inherent chemical resistance has historically made it exceptionally challenging to treat with traditional chemical post-processing methods, often resulting in untreated surfaces or requiring harsh, environmentally unfriendly solvents. DyeMansion’s R&D efforts have yielded a revolutionary chemical agent that not only effectively treats PP surfaces to achieve a smooth, sealed finish but is also environmentally responsible. This proprietary solvent is entirely free of harmful PFAS, CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic), and vPvM (very Persistent and very Mobile) substances, aligning perfectly with modern sustainability goals and stringent health and safety regulations. Furthermore, in line with DyeMansion’s unwavering focus on sustainability, the Powerfuse S PP incorporates an advanced internal recycling system for the solvent. This intelligent closed-loop system means that the solvent is continuously recovered and reused within the machine, necessitating only yearly changes. This dramatically reduces the consumption of consumables, making the Powerfuse S PP an exceptionally eco-efficient solution. Beyond the environmental benefits, this recycling capability translates into significant operational cost savings for manufacturers, with electricity being virtually the only consistent consumable during the vapor polishing process. The Powerfuse S PP represents a pivotal advancement, unlocking new possibilities for high-quality, sustainable production of polypropylene parts across various industries.

Formnext 2022 has once again proven to be an indispensable platform for showcasing the relentless pace of innovation in additive manufacturing. From pioneering silicone 3D printers and intelligent software solutions to multi-nozzle FDM systems, high-speed FFF upgrades, precision metrology kits, sustainable large-format machines, XXL resin printers, and eco-friendly post-processing solutions, the sheer breadth and depth of advancements are truly inspiring. These innovations collectively push the boundaries of what’s possible, driving greater efficiency, expanding material capabilities, enhancing part quality, and promoting more sustainable manufacturing practices across industries. We hope this overview of the leading 3D solutions presented at Formnext 2022 has provided valuable insights into the future of this dynamic field. What are your thoughts on these groundbreaking technologies? We invite you to share your comments below or engage with us on our LinkedIn,Facebook, andTwitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weeklyNewsletter here to receive the latest 3D printing news directly in your inbox. You can also explore all our compelling videos and interviews on ourYouTube channel for more in-depth coverage of additive manufacturing trends and breakthroughs.

*Cover Photo Credits: 3Dnatives