INDUSTRY From Needs To Solutions 2019: A Deep Dive into Additive Manufacturing’s Future

The final week of October saw Barcelona transform into a global hub for advanced manufacturing, as INDUSTRY From Needs To Solutions hosted its highly anticipated 4th edition. This premier event brought together a diverse array of additive manufacturing (AM) innovators, industry leaders, and visionary speakers, all converging to discuss the remarkable evolution of 3D printing technologies over recent years. A central feature of the fair was IN(3D)TALKS, a series of enlightening sessions designed to explore AM’s impact across critical industrial sectors. Fifteen distinct sessions were meticulously organized, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within five key areas: automotive, aeronautics, general industry, health (highlighted by its dedicated Helthio day), and the ever-evolving retail sector. The overarching theme revolved around how additive manufacturing is moving from being a niche technology to a fundamental solution addressing complex industry needs, driving innovation, efficiency, and entirely new possibilities across the global manufacturing landscape.

Soaring to New Heights: Additive Manufacturing in Aerospace

The aeronautics panel was a focal point for attendees, revealing groundbreaking advancements and future prospects for AM in space and air travel. Manuel Aliprandi, a distinguished Materials and Process Engineer at Ruag Aerospace, captivated the audience by sharing intricate details of a truly historic achievement: the first 3D printed piece destined for lunar travel. This component, a critical landing gear of the SpaceIL mission, exemplifies how additive manufacturing enables the creation of lightweight, high-performance parts essential for demanding space applications. The use of AM significantly reduces material waste, allows for complex geometries previously impossible to achieve, and customizes parts for optimal performance under extreme conditions, thus pushing the boundaries of space exploration. Aliprandi’s presentation underscored the reliability and precision that AM now offers for mission-critical aerospace components.

Sharing the stage was Paolo Calza, the Design and Technology Director of Avio Aero, a prominent division of General Electric. Avio Aero is at the forefront of leveraging AM technology for the sophisticated manufacture of aircraft engine components. Calza elaborated on how AM is revolutionizing engine design, allowing for integrated functionalities, reduced part counts, and improved fuel efficiency. The ability to produce intricate cooling channels, optimize weight, and consolidate assemblies through 3D printing directly contributes to enhanced engine performance and environmental sustainability. This strategic adoption by industry giants like General Electric underscores additive manufacturing’s integral role in shaping the future of aeronautical engineering, making aircraft lighter, more efficient, and more reliable. The discussions highlighted AM’s capacity to meet the stringent demands of the aerospace industry, from prototyping to final production parts, demonstrating its transformative potential.

Driving Innovation: Additive Manufacturing in the Automotive Sector

The automotive industry, a powerhouse of innovation, also showcased its embrace of additive manufacturing. David Magnusson, who heads the additive manufacturing division at Volvo Trucks, offered valuable insights into the significant benefits that AM brings to prototyping for the Swedish automotive giant. Magnusson’s presentation highlighted how 3D printing accelerates the product development cycle, allowing for rapid iteration and testing of new designs. This agility significantly reduces time-to-market and allows engineers to experiment with complex geometries that would be cost-prohibitive or impossible with traditional manufacturing methods. From functional prototypes of engine components to ergonomic designs for cabin interiors, AM provides unparalleled flexibility. The ability to quickly produce and evaluate multiple design variations translates into more robust, efficient, and innovative final products, illustrating how AM is a cornerstone of modern automotive engineering and a key enabler for Volvo Trucks’ commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

A Healthy Future: Helthio Day and Bioprinting Breakthroughs

The second day of INDUSTRY From Needs To Solutions was dedicated entirely to the transformative role of additive manufacturing in the health sector, aptly named Helthio day. The day commenced with an expansive presentation showcasing the wide range of 3D printing applications already being implemented in various Catalan hospitals. This session underscored the immediate and tangible benefits AM brings to medical practice, from creating highly accurate anatomical models for surgical planning to custom prosthetics and orthotics tailored to individual patient needs. These applications significantly enhance precision, improve patient outcomes, and enable personalized healthcare solutions.

Further delving into the cutting edge of medical innovation, speakers like Tamer Mohamed and Axel Guenther provided deep insights into the evolution of bioprinting and the burgeoning opportunities these technologies present. Bioprinting, a revolutionary sub-field of 3D printing, involves the fabrication of biological structures layer-by-layer using bio-inks and living cells. Mohamed and Guenther explored how bioprinting is moving beyond conceptual research into practical applications such as tissue engineering, drug testing platforms, and ultimately, the potential for creating functional organs. Their talks highlighted the rapid advancements in bio-ink development, printer precision, and cell viability, which are paving the way for unprecedented breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and personalized therapeutics. The discussions sparked immense interest, emphasizing bioprinting’s potential to address critical medical needs and revolutionize the treatment of diseases and injuries.

Pioneering Metal AM: ArcelorMittal’s Vision

The IN(3D)TALKS sessions also featured other influential keynote speakers, broadening the scope of additive manufacturing’s industrial impact. Virgilio García, Director of the Global Research Program led by ArcelorMittal, the world’s leading steel production company, participated in a crucial panel discussing the introduction of metal additive fabrication into diverse industries. García’s presence highlighted the strategic shift within traditional heavy industries to integrate advanced manufacturing techniques. He elaborated on how metal 3D printing is enabling the creation of stronger, lighter, and more complex metal components for applications ranging from automotive to construction and energy. ArcelorMittal’s involvement signifies a commitment to exploring new material paradigms and manufacturing processes, ensuring that even established industries can leverage AM for competitive advantage. The panel underscored the challenges and immense potential of metal AM, particularly regarding material development, process optimization, and industrial scalability, positioning it as a key driver for future manufacturing innovation across various sectors.

The INDUSTRY Arena: Showcasing the Latest in 3D Printing

As in previous years, the INDUSTRY Arena stood as a dynamic exhibition stage, offering a tangible demonstration of the current capabilities and future possibilities of 3D printing technologies. This vibrant space allowed various industry actors to directly showcase an impressive array of pieces created using additive manufacturing, providing attendees with a firsthand look at the quality, complexity, and versatility achievable with modern AM systems. The arena was bustling with activity, featuring approximately twenty companies deeply involved in the 3D industry, each presenting their unique contributions to the field. For instance, Multi3Dprint captivated visitors by presenting the BigRep machine, renowned for its large-format additive manufacturing capabilities, demonstrating how AM can produce substantial industrial parts with high precision. Another highlight was BCN3D’s exciting announcement of its collaboration with the prominent footwear brand CAMPER. This partnership exemplifies how AM is moving beyond industrial prototyping into consumer goods, enabling personalized designs, rapid production of limited editions, and sustainable manufacturing practices within the fashion and retail sectors. The INDUSTRY Arena truly served as a microcosm of the entire additive manufacturing ecosystem, highlighting innovation from material science to end-user applications.

Nurturing Innovation: The 3D Factory Incubator

One of the most noteworthy novelties introduced at INDUSTRY 2019 was the prominent inclusion of the 3D Factory Incubator. This groundbreaking initiative proudly holds the distinction of being the first incubator specializing in 3D printing across Europe. Since its inauguration in March of that year, the incubator has rapidly fostered innovation, and at the fair, it presented fourteen promising projects that had joined its supportive ecosystem. The projects on display represented a diverse cross-section of additive manufacturing applications and services, illustrating the breadth of entrepreneurial spirit within the sector. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about companies like 3YOURMIND, a leader in advanced 3D software solutions designed to automate and streamline AM workflows, making it easier for businesses to integrate 3D printing into their operations. Beyond software, the incubator showcased various additive manufacturing services, providing tailored solutions for businesses looking to adopt or scale their 3D printing capabilities. A particularly striking example of creative application was the presentation of a fully functional 3D printed saxophone, a testament to the technology’s ability to produce complex, high-fidelity instruments with precision and customized aesthetics. The 3D Factory Incubator serves as a vital catalyst for startups and innovators, providing the resources, mentorship, and environment necessary to transform groundbreaking ideas in 3D printing into commercially viable solutions, thereby fueling the next wave of industrial advancements.

A Holistic Approach to Advanced Manufacturing

INDUSTRY 2019 was not just a standalone event but a comprehensive platform that strategically integrated four other significant congresses, creating a holistic view of the future of advanced manufacturing and industrial digitalization. These co-located events included the inaugural MAX congress on advanced manufacturing, providing a deeper dive into overarching strategies and policies shaping the industrial landscape. Complementing this, the Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress addressed the critical importance of digital security in an increasingly interconnected manufacturing environment, a vital topic for the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. Furthermore, Ayri11 focused on the rapidly evolving fields of automation and robotics, showcasing how these technologies are synergizing with additive manufacturing to create highly efficient, intelligent, and flexible production systems. This multi-event format ensured that attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of the technological convergences driving the current industrial revolution, highlighting how 3D printing is an integral component within a broader ecosystem of smart manufacturing, digital transformation, and resilient supply chains.

As INDUSTRY From Needs To Solutions concluded its successful 2019 edition, the anticipation for future iterations was palpable. For those eager to stay abreast of cutting-edge developments and learn more about the upcoming events, detailed information about the 2020 edition can be found on its official website HERE. We also invite you to revisit some of the industry’s leading exponents and their profound insights from INDUSTRY 2019 through our exclusive Live Tour content. This event consistently serves as a beacon for innovation, showcasing how additive manufacturing is not just a technology but a fundamental shift in how we conceive, design, and produce goods, continuously moving “From Needs To Solutions” for a wide array of industries.

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