Formnext 2023 Recap: Unveiling the Future of 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Innovations
The world of additive manufacturing continues to accelerate at an incredible pace, and Formnext, held from November 15th to 18th, stands as the premier global event showcasing its latest advancements. For those who attended and are already experiencing the post-Formnext blues, or for those who missed out, fear not! We’ve compiled an exclusive selection of our video content, bringing the most impactful insights directly to you. From established giants like Desktop Metal and HP to agile innovators like Velo3D and promising startups, our coverage spans the entire spectrum of the industry. We delve into groundbreaking technologies, discuss a diverse array of materials – from advanced polymers and silicones to robust metals – and explore sophisticated scanners and software solutions. Whether your interest lies in industrial-scale production, material science, or digital workflow optimization, our comprehensive recap has something valuable for every enthusiast and professional in the 3D printing community. Join us as we revisit the most exciting developments and visionary ideas presented at Formnext, shaping the future of manufacturing.
1. Desktop Metal and the Power of Binder Jetting in Modern Manufacturing
Binder jetting is rapidly emerging as a transformative 3D printing process, gaining significant traction among additive manufacturing professionals due to its exceptional speed, cost-efficiency, and material versatility. At the forefront of this innovation is Desktop Metal, a key player offering a comprehensive suite of solutions that are fundamentally reshaping traditional production paradigms. During our visit to Formnext, we had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Jonah Myerberg, the company’s insightful co-founder and CTO. He provided an in-depth look into Desktop Metal’s diverse areas of development and showcased the impressive array of products featured at their bustling booth. Desktop Metal’s expanding product family now encompasses advanced 3D printing technologies capable of working with an extraordinary range of materials, including metal, polymer, sand, ceramic, composites, and even wood. This broad material capability positions binder jetting as a critical technology for various industries, enabling unprecedented flexibility and innovation in design and manufacturing.
2. AM Polymer Powders: Advancing High-Performance Materials
Next on our tour of Formnext highlights, we feature AM Polymers, a distinguished German company dedicated to developing high-quality plastic powder solutions for additive manufacturing. In our engaging video interview, we conversed with Dr. Holger Ulland, the CEO of their German operations, and Timur Ünlü, a co-founder. They meticulously presented their extensive material portfolio, emphasizing the sustainable and cost-efficient processes utilized in the production of their advanced powders. We were particularly impressed by the variety of models printed using their materials, which were showcased and thoroughly described, highlighting their unique properties and performance characteristics. The discussion illuminated the broadness of their material offerings, including high-performance composites and flame-retardant materials, and provided a glimpse into AM Polymers’ ambitious future vision within the rapidly evolving material science sector for 3D printing.
3. Shining 3D: Unveiling the High-Precision OptimScan
Shining 3D, a renowned manufacturer specializing in cutting-edge additive manufacturing scanning technologies, made a significant impact at Formnext by demonstrating their revolutionary new scanner, the OptimScan. Niels Stenzel, the company’s regional sales manager, enthusiastically informed us about the OptimScan’s exceptional capabilities, particularly its prowess in delivering high-quality, portable scanning. This device boasts impressive specifications, capable of capturing details with up to 10 microns of accuracy and 5 megapixels of resolution, making it ideal for the most demanding applications. A key feature highlighted is its utility in automated factory environments, where it can generate automatic reports instantaneously as scans are completed, drastically improving quality control and workflow efficiency. This level of precision and automation positions the OptimScan as an indispensable tool for enhancing productivity and ensuring the highest standards in industrial additive manufacturing. For an even more detailed explanation of this exciting new product and its potential applications, Niels provides further insights in the video below.
4. AMT: Revolutionizing Post-Processing with Digital Manufacturing Systems
Returning to the critical aspect of materials and finishing, we turn our attention to AMT, a company leading the charge in post-processing solutions for additive manufacturing. Their advanced digital manufacturing system is designed to facilitate top-quality post-processing results, ensuring that 3D printed parts meet the highest industrial standards. We conducted an insightful interview with Joseph Croucher, CEO and Co-founder, and Dr. Konstantin Rybalcenko, Head of R&D, to delve deeper into their innovations. They eloquently described how their Digital Manufacturing System leverages automation to streamline the post-processing workflow, significantly benefiting users by reducing manual labor, increasing throughput, and improving consistency. Furthermore, they introduced their groundbreaking PostPro Pure solution, a pioneering green chemistry technology that delivers optimal results in an environmentally sustainable manner. This innovative green vapor smoothing technology achieves exceptional surface finishes, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional properties of 3D printed components while adhering to eco-friendly practices. AMT’s commitment to automation and sustainability is setting new benchmarks in the post-processing sector, making additive manufacturing even more efficient and accessible.
5. Velo3D: Pioneering Metal Powder Bed Technology for Critical Applications
Our next spotlight shines on Velo3D, an innovative startup that has quickly become a significant force in metal 3D printing solutions. Their presence at Formnext highlighted their integrated approach to manufacturing complex, high-performance metal parts. In this insightful video, we learn about their sophisticated Assure software, which plays a crucial role in ensuring print quality and repeatability, and their flagship Sapphire XC printer. The Sapphire XC is particularly prominent within the space industry, where the demand for lightweight, high-strength, and intricately designed components is paramount. As explained in the video, Velo3D provides an invaluable integrated solution for customers in aerospace and other critical sectors. This holistic approach enables customers to not only produce highly complex designs that were previously impossible but also to achieve certified parts, which is essential for regulated industries. We are eagerly anticipating Velo3D’s continued progress and their ongoing contributions to advancing the capabilities of metal additive manufacturing.
6. HP: Unveiling New Multi Jet Fusion Innovations for Polymer Additive Manufacturing
HP, a globally recognized leader in printing technology, continues to innovate within the additive manufacturing space with its proprietary Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology, known for producing high-quality parts at speed. At Formnext, HP made a significant announcement by unveiling their new printer series, the HP Multi Jet Fusion 5420W. In our exclusive video, Ramón Pastor, Global Head and General Manager of 3D Metals, and Ayelén Fernández, Product Manager for 3D Printing and Digital Manufacturing, guide us through the impressive features and benefits of this latest offering. The visuals powerfully demonstrate the exceptional quality of parts produced by the printer, while Ramón and Ayelén detail its advantages, including enhanced flexibility, adaptability to various applications, and improved cost-efficiency. They also hinted at HP’s exciting strategic plans within the polymer field, suggesting future innovations that will further expand the capabilities and accessibility of polymer 3D printing for industrial applications, from prototyping to mass customization.
7. Daily Show #1: Digital Solutions & Automation in AM
For our final three segments, we present our popular daily shows from Formnext, offering informal yet insightful interviews with a diverse range of companies and promising startups. In this first episode, we focused on “AM solutions for a digital world.” Our CEO, Alex Martel, began his exploration at the Formlabs booth, where he engaged in a stimulating conversation with Sean David Doyle, Senior Technical Sales Manager. Sean discussed Formlabs’ latest innovations, highlighting advancements in their SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) and SLA (Stereolithography) technologies and detailing the various industries where these solutions are effectively applied, from dentistry to engineering prototyping. Following this, we gained valuable insights from Markforged regarding their cutting-edge simulation software. We learned how this powerful software is instrumental in preventing costly mistakes and minimizing print cycle repetitions by intelligently streamlining the entire printing process. Finally, we shone a light on Rivelin Robotics, one of the deserving winners of this year’s startup challenge! CEO Robert Bush shared with Alex his company’s ambitious vision to leverage advanced robotics for the autonomous processing of 3D printed parts, promising increased efficiency and reduced manual labor in post-processing.
8. Daily Show #2: Innovations in 3D Printing Materials
Our second daily show from Formnext delves deep into the crucial realm of materials within 3D printing. In this episode, our content specialist for the English market, Madeleine Prior, led the discussions. Her first conversation was with Karsten Schlichter, the Business Development Manager for Elkem Silicones. Karsten provided an illuminating overview of their extensive ranges of silicon materials, meticulously designed for additive manufacturing to produce high-quality parts with specific properties like flexibility, heat resistance, and biocompatibility. Next, Madeleine explored the offerings of Lehvoss with Stefan Schulze, the Director of 3D Printing Materials and Marketing for the company. Stefan detailed their robust materials tailored for end-use parts, emphasizing Lehvoss’s unique capability to provide custom materials that can be precisely formulated to meet specific application needs, thereby offering highly specialized solutions for individual customers and diverse industries. Lastly, Madeleine had an engaging chat with Dominik Zdybal, CEO and Co-founder of Alpha Powders, discussing the company’s innovative polymer powder solutions that utilize affordable and sustainable methods, broadening access to advanced additive manufacturing materials.
9. Daily Show #3: Scaling 3D Printing from Micro to Macro
Our third and final daily show brings a captivating focus on the diverse scales of 3D printing, from the intricate micro-level to robust large-scale applications. Once again, our CEO, Alex Martel, was at the forefront, starting his segment with Massivit3D, a company renowned for its Gel Dispensing Printing (GDP) technology. Alex spoke with Avi Cohen from Massivit, and their discussion centered on the company’s significant announcement: their new printer, the 10,000G. This revolutionary machine boasts the capability to simultaneously print and cast parts with epoxy, opening up vast possibilities for large-scale applications in sectors such as automotive and marine. Following this, Alex conversed with Gijs Van der Velden of MX3D, a company specializing in producing large metal parts using advanced additive manufacturing techniques. Gijs elaborated on MX3D’s impressive growth and their innovative metal XL software, which automates the process of slicing complex parts for seamless transfer to robotic printing systems. Finally, Alex ventured to our featured startup, Photosynthetic, where he spoke with CEO Alexsander Kostenko. Alexsander proudly mentioned the Startup Challenge, for which his colleague Magdalena Kurzyp PhD delivered the winning presentation. Their discussion then pivoted to Photosynthetic’s groundbreaking work in microscale productions, highlighting the immense potential for applications in fields like micro-electronics, medical devices, and advanced materials science.
We hope you enjoyed this comprehensive recap of our Formnext content, bringing you the latest and most exciting developments from the world of 3D printing and additive manufacturing. What were your favorite innovations or insights from Formnext? We encourage you to share your thoughts in a comment below or connect with us on our LinkedIn,Facebook, andTwitter pages! To stay ahead of the curve and receive the latest 3D printing news directly in your inbox every week, don’t forget to sign up for our free weeklyNewsletter here. You can also explore our full library of insightful videos and interviews on our dedicatedYouTube channel, a rich resource for all things additive manufacturing.