IN(3D)USTRY From Needs to Solutions 2018: Pioneering Industrial Additive Manufacturing in Barcelona

The highly anticipated third edition of “IN(3D)USTRY From Needs to Solutions” is set to open its doors this month, bringing together a global congregation of leading innovators and key players in the additive manufacturing sector. This premier event, a beacon for industrial innovation, will unfold in the dynamic city of Barcelona from October 16th to 18th. After two immensely successful years showcasing the latest novelties and insights through conferences led by prominent figures in the industry, IN(3D)USTRY returns with reinvigorated strength and an expanded array of innovative proposals designed to captivate and educate followers of advanced manufacturing. Attendees can look forward to an immersive experience that highlights the transformative power of 3D printing and its broader implications for modern industry.

To delve deeper into the exciting news and strategic advancements that IN(3D)USTRY promises to deliver, we recently conducted an exclusive interview with Miquel Serrano, the esteemed Director of the Fair. Miquel is not only a visionary leader but also a passionate promoter of additive manufacturing technologies, playing a crucial role in shaping the direction of this groundbreaking event. His insights provide a valuable preview of what makes this edition particularly special and impactful for the industrial landscape.

3DN: Could you tell us about the evolution of IN(3D)USTRY since its inception in 2016 to now?

Our foundational objective has remained consistently clear since day one: to vigorously encourage and accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing at an industrial level. Beyond merely showcasing technology, we strive to provide a dynamic and essential meeting space. This unique platform connects end-users with a diverse range of manufacturers and service providers, fostering an environment where genuine innovation in the additive manufacturing sector can directly address the real-world needs and practical challenges of industries. By bringing these key stakeholders together, we facilitate dialogue, collaboration, and the development of tailored solutions that drive industrial progress.

From its very first edition, IN(3D)USTRY has steadily reinforced its crucial role as a premier speaker of the most impactful industrial applications across a multitude of sectors. We have consistently highlighted how additive manufacturing is transforming diverse industries. This includes the Automotive sector, where it enables lightweighting and rapid prototyping of complex components; Aeronautics, crucial for producing high-performance, intricate parts; Healthcare, revolutionizing custom prosthetics and medical devices; Retail, facilitating on-demand production and personalization; and general Industry, where it enhances efficiency, optimizes supply chains, and accelerates product development. Our commitment has always been to demonstrate tangible, industrial-grade applications that move beyond theoretical discussions to showcase proven value and operational excellence. This progressive focus has allowed IN(3D)USTRY to evolve into a vital hub for practical additive manufacturing solutions.

3DN: How did the idea of ​​creating an event about additive manufacturing come about?

The conception of an event dedicated to additive manufacturing is deeply embedded in the strategic philosophy of Fira de Barcelona. Our institution prides itself on its inherent permeability – its ability to quickly respond and adapt to all new tendencies present within the productive fabric and the evolving demands of modern industry. It’s part of our core mission to identify and champion technologies that are poised for significant industrial impact.

In this context, we distinctly identified 3D printing as a technology rapidly on the rise, particularly gaining traction and demonstrating immense potential within industrial environments. Recognizing this burgeoning trend, we made a decisive move to establish a pioneering event specifically focused on the practical and transformative applications of this technology. Our primary aim was to cut through the noise of mere anecdotes or the prevailing “hype” surrounding 3D printing at the time. Instead, we sought to present the tangible realities from the perspective of user industries – showcasing how businesses were genuinely integrating and benefiting from additive manufacturing solutions. This approach ensured that IN(3D)USTRY would serve as a credible platform for illustrating actual industrial impact, fostering informed decision-making, and accelerating the mainstream adoption of advanced manufacturing processes.

3DN: In this third edition, what new features will you present compared to previous editions?

Building on the tremendous success of our first two editions, which primarily centered on the core advancements of additive manufacturing, this year we have made a strategic decision to expand our focus significantly. We are opening ourselves to a broader spectrum of industrial solutions and integrating more diverse sectors. This third edition of IN(3D)USTRY is designed to reflect the holistic nature of Industry 4.0, recognizing that additive manufacturing is one crucial piece of a larger, interconnected puzzle.

Consequently, traditional industrial sectors where additive manufacturing offers profound potential for disruption are now fully incorporated into our offering. This includes vital areas such as the sector of molds and matrices, where 3D printing can dramatically optimize prototyping and tooling, and the transformation of plastics, which is being revolutionized by new additive techniques. Furthermore, we are embracing cutting-edge fields like robotics and advanced industrial automation, recognizing their synergistic relationship with additive manufacturing. These new dimensions are integrated through the invaluable contributions of the AYRI11 congress. In a nod to the critical importance of digital security in modern manufacturing, we will also host an industrial cybersecurity contest called CyberEthicalDays, addressing vital concerns for resilient industrial operations.

From a speaker perspective, this edition boasts an unprecedented lineup of leading representatives from some of the world’s most innovative companies. Attendees will have the unparalleled opportunity to glean insights from experts at KTM Technologies, renowned for their high-performance engineering; CAF, a global leader in railway manufacturing; the European Space Agency (ESA), pushing the boundaries of aerospace innovation; GE Ventures, at the forefront of industrial digital transformation; Appreciate Pharmaceuticals, driving medical advancements through technology; and Deutsche Bahn, innovating in infrastructure and logistics, among many other distinguished organizations. These speakers will share compelling success stories and practical case studies, offering visitors actionable knowledge and inspiration to apply advanced manufacturing concepts within their own enterprises. Their presence underscores our commitment to showcasing real-world impact and future-forward strategies in industrial innovation.

3DN: Will you focus on a specific sector?

Our core focus at IN(3D)USTRY truly encompasses the entirety of the industrial landscape, without neglecting any of its myriad subsectors. We believe in providing value across the board, catering to a diverse range of manufacturing needs and innovations. However, we do make a strategic and special focus on those pioneering sectors that are demonstrating early and significant adoption of additive manufacturing. These industries often serve as crucial early adopters, showcasing innovative applications and setting benchmarks that inspire broader industrial transformation.

Nonetheless, our ultimate and broader goal extends beyond these frontrunners: it is to dramatically accelerate the widespread use of 3D printing across all areas of industry. This means actively engaging with sectors that are still in the exploratory phases, providing them with the necessary knowledge, tools, and connections to overcome barriers to entry. By presenting a rich tapestry of successful applications from diverse industrial contexts, we aim to demonstrate the universal applicability and transformative power of additive manufacturing, encouraging a wider spectrum of companies to integrate this technology for enhanced productivity, innovation, and sustainable growth.

3DN: What will the IN(3D)USTRY Sponsor Workshops consist of?

The IN(3D)USTRY Sponsor Workshops are meticulously crafted to serve as an essential bridge, effectively closing the gap between the high-level, leading applications presented on our main stage and the practical realities faced by numerous industries contemplating the integration of additive manufacturing. These workshops offer a more intimate, in-depth, and hands-on learning environment, allowing attendees to dive deeper into specific technological advancements and their practical implementation.

Participants can anticipate a comprehensive program featuring detailed presentations directly from our esteemed sponsors. These sessions will cover a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from the latest technological innovations in additive manufacturing and advanced materials to practical guidance on how to seamlessly incorporate these breakthroughs into existing productive processes. Beyond theoretical discussions, the workshops will also feature elaborate case studies, treated with a focus on real-world application and presented in a more didactic and accessible format. This approach ensures that attendees, whether they are just beginning their exploration of additive manufacturing or looking to optimize their current operations, gain concrete, actionable insights and a clearer understanding of the tangible benefits and strategic implementation pathways associated with industrial 3D printing. It’s a unique opportunity for direct engagement with experts and practical skill enhancement.

3DN: What benefits has Spain had with the arrival of an event like IN(3D)USTRY within additive manufacturing?

The establishment and sustained growth of an event of IN(3D)USTRY’s international stature has yielded significant strategic benefits for Spain, and particularly for Barcelona, within the rapidly evolving landscape of additive manufacturing and broader industrial transformation. Spain possesses tremendous potential to emerge as a pivotal hub for digital transformation and Industry 4.0 across Southern Europe. Its dynamic industrial base, growing tech ecosystem, and strategic geographical location make it uniquely positioned to lead in advanced manufacturing. IN(3D)USTRY plays a crucial role in amplifying this potential, specifically reinforcing the nation’s specific weight and influence in the global additive manufacturing arena.

Barcelona, in particular, is a city celebrated for its openness to the world and its deeply embedded innovative spirit. It serves as a neuralgic point of transfer, fostering a vibrant ecosystem where scientific research seamlessly translates into groundbreaking technological innovation. This unique blend positions Barcelona as an international connection of reference, linking leading global economies with emerging countries, and facilitating the vital exchange of knowledge, talent, and investment in cutting-edge technologies. The city’s robust infrastructure and cultural dynamism further enhance its appeal as a prime location for such an international event.

The fundamental work of “IN(3D)USTRY From Needs to Solutions” is precisely to contribute meaningfully to this overarching vision. By providing a dedicated and internationally recognized platform for additive manufacturing, the event actively helps to invigorate an already rich and thriving ecosystem of startups, renowned research institutions, established industrial players, and supportive governmental initiatives. It effectively attracts international expertise, showcases burgeoning local talent, stimulates collaborative projects, and ultimately accelerates the widespread adoption of advanced manufacturing practices across the Iberian Peninsula and beyond, thereby solidifying Spain’s position at the forefront of industrial innovation in Europe. It’s about building a smarter, more efficient, and globally competitive manufacturing future for the region.

3DN: Do you have any last words to invite our readers to IN(3D)USTRY?

Absolutely! I would like to emphatically underscore the unique value proposition that IN(3D)USTRY offers: it is an event singularly focused on championing and driving the practical application of additive manufacturing across various industrial domains. More than just an exhibition, it stands as an indispensable space for continuous learning, for fostering invaluable knowledge exchange among peers and experts, and for staying abreast of the very latest developments and revolutionary applications of 3D printing technology. Whether you are an industry veteran seeking to optimize your processes, an aspiring innovator looking for inspiration, a researcher eager to share findings, or simply curious about the transformative power of this technology, IN(3D)USTRY offers profound insights for everyone.

Therefore, I extend a heartfelt invitation to all enthusiasts and professionals who are passionate about this revolutionary technology to join us at the third edition of “IN(3D)USTRY From Needs to Solutions.” This pivotal event will unfold from October 16th to 18th at the prestigious Fira de Barcelona Montjuïc site. By attending, you will not only gain critical insights into the future of manufacturing and forge new, invaluable connections but also play an active role in collectively nurturing and expanding this dynamic event. Together, we can continue to grow and shape the future of industrial additive manufacturing. Come and discover how 3D printing is moving from niche applications to mainstream industrial solutions, driving efficiency, innovation, and sustainability across various sectors. Your presence is vital to our shared success in advancing this exciting field.

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