by Industrial Print Magazine Staff
Formnext recently took place from November 7 to 10, 2023 in Frankfurt, Germany. A record number of attendees visited the trade show, which boasted 859 exhibitors across a space of more than 54,000 square meters. This was the ninth iteration of the event, which is billed as the global center of innovative and sustainable production solutions focusing on additive manufacturing (AM).
Innovation on Display
3DCeram Sinto presented the C1000 FLEXMATIC, the first semi-automated line for three-dimensional (3D) printing technical ceramics. Designed to integrate the Smart Ceramic Factory, it has all the assets to print ceramic parts in a semi-automatic line.
3D Systems introduced Accura AMX High Temp 300C. With the Accura AMX High Temp 300C, 3D Systems delivers an unfilled material with an unmatched heat deflection temperature of 300 degrees Celsius. The new chemistry of this material does not require a thermal post cure.
6K Additive and Metal Powder Works announced the signing of an MOU and strategic partnership to produce pure copper and copper alloys, leading to strategically important powders such as copper/nickel and bronze alloy powders for AM.
Addiblast by FerroECOBlast presented a range of post-processing solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of AM. These include the BAM03 – Ergonomic Manual Blasting Cabinet, MARS01 – Manual Depowdering Machine, and MARS03 – Fully Automated Depowdering Machine.
ALTANA AG presented over ten new resin-based Cubic Ink materials for 3D printing. Notable are two Cubic Ink series—Mold 210 VP and 601 VP—designed for resin printing. This series offer a multitude of advantages regarding both the printing process and post-processing stages.
Ansys announced a partnership with Materialise and showcased an initial, joint workflow. The partnership seamlessly integrates Ansys Additive Suite into Materialise’s data and build preparation tool, Magics.
ARBURG presented its complete range of products for industrial AM based on granules, filaments, and liquid silicone. One highlight is the new high-temperature freeformer 750-3X, which produced geometrically sophisticated air distributors from original aerospace-certified material Ultem 9085.
Carbon expanded its resin portfolio with the introduction of EPU 46 and in addition launched a highly heat resistant rigid material. EPU 46 is a versatile dual-cure elastomer for high-performance consumer products. Carbon’s EPU 46 resin is designed for full-color spectrum flexibility as well as tunable durometer.
DyeMansion, Siemens, BASF Forward AM, EOS, and HP announced the AM I Navigator Initiative. Its holistic maturity model shapes the stages of industrialization in the AM industry, increasing interoperability in AM.
Dyndrite demonstrated VIP Onboarding for Dyndrite LPBF Pro, a new application for laser powder bed fusion professionals. This new software empowers 3D printing users with previously unattainable part printing capabilities, accelerated build rates, and cost savings.
EOS exhibited the newest member of its EOS M 300 family, the EOS M 300-4 1kW. This new metal AM system boasts four powerful, one-kilowatt lasers to meet the production requirements of aluminum and copper 3D printed applications, such as aluminum brackets, holders, antennas, heat exchangers; and copper or copper alloy heat exchangers, inductors, and e-mobility components.
Evolve Additive Solutions commercially launched its parts production service, STEP Parts Now. Meeting production demand, along with Evolve’s drive to broaden access to its Selective Thermoplastic Electrophotographic Process (STEP) technology, spurred the creation of the new parts production service. Customers can now quote and order STEP parts directly from Evolve through the STEP Parts Now ecommerce portal.
Evonik introduced a new grade of its polyamide 12 powders designed to unbound sustainable 3D printing at scale. INFINAM eCO PA12 substitutes 100 percent of fossil feedstock with bio-circular raw material from waste cooking oil in a mass balancing process.
Farsoon showcased two production platforms—FS621M and Flight SS403P-2. FS621M, with a build cylinder size of 620×620 mm² with a height of 1100 mm, is well accepted by aerospace and manufacturing customers. Flight SS403P Series system is Farsoon’s high-temperature plastic powder bed fusion platform with over 260 units installation base globally by October 2023.
Formlabs launched Fuse Blast, a fully automated part cleaning and polishing solution. As the newest addition to the Formlabs SLS printing ecosystem, the Fuse Blast lowers labor and overhead costs, reduces post-processing time by 80 percent, and delivers consistent, customer-grade parts in as little as 15 minutes.
HP announced several strategic partnerships. First, with Sandvik to pioneer a new era of advanced materials for 3D printing. Second, GKN Additive, a global leader in digital manufacturing. Finally, Elnik’s sister business DSH Technologies is set to accelerate the capabilities of HP’s commercial S100 Metal Jet Solution, providing customers with unprecedented sintering expertise and capabilities.
Inkbit debuted TEPU 50A elastomer. TEPU 50A is a thiol-ene polyurethane based elastomer with a Shore 50A durometer and low compression set that offers excellent UV stability and strong chemical compatibility.
JEOL announced that its JAM-5200EBM Metal 3D Printer, a production-ready electron beam powder bed fusion AM solution, demonstrated the ability to meet the rigorous AMS7032 operational qualification standards, while achieving the AMS7011 material requirements for Ti-6Al-4V alloy with post-deposition hot isostatic pressing.
Lithoz displayed multi-functional parts all printed using the CeraFab Multi 2M30. This 3D printer is capable of combining different materials, such as ceramic with metal, ceramic with polymer, or two different ceramics, in one single functional part. In just one print run, entirely opposing material properties can be flexibly and functionally combined.
Markforged Holding Corporation unveiled its newest industrial 3D printer, the FX10. It empowers users to print the right part when and where it is needed, reducing costs and cutting lead times from months to days compared to traditional manufacturing methods. It also introduced Vega, an ultra high-performance filament designed for aerospace manufacturing on Markforged’s FX20 printer.
MELD Manufacturing Corporation announces that FOOKE GmbH is an authorized integrator for MELD’s 3D printing for metal technology. This partnership marks a significant step forward in the advancement of metal AM and positions FOOKE as a premier provider of MELD’s technology in Europe.
Nikon SLM Solutions and Materialise unveiled a collaborative venture to cultivate the ensuing generation of Materialise Build Processors tailored for Nikon SLM Solutions printers, integrating them into the Materialise CO-AM platform.
Prima Additive displayed the Print Genius 150 Double Wavelength. This is a unique configuration, featuring two lasers of different wavelengths within the same system—a 500 W infrared laser and a 200 W green laser.
Prodways promoted its P1000X and MLT Next Gen, two groundbreaking solutions that aim to reshape the design-to-production process. With its industrial 3D printers, customers witnessed how 3D printing can streamline their approach, delivering unparalleled precision and efficiency.
Raise3D unveiled the DF2 Solution, marking its debut in photopolymer resin 3D printing. The DF2 Solution, based on digital light printing technology, boasts rapid printing speeds, refined surfaces, high precision, and reliability. The DF2 Solution features a traceable workflow to reduce labor time and optimize the use of resin 3D printing in production.
Replique launched a comprehensive and open material database for 3D printing. With this step, Replique is making the collective material knowledge—with support from its many trusted material partners—accessible within the 3D printing community, ultimately streamlining the use of AM for all businesses.
Roboze showcased its high-performance materials, specifically ToolingX CF, a carbon fiber composite. It is classified as ESD-safe due to its surface resistivity, reducing static electricity. Furthermore, it is self extinguishing and used in applications such as welding masks and electronic houses.
Solukon highlighted new products and features. The Solukon SFM-PCU is an automated powder conveying station for all common metal powders. With a container of more than 100 liters, the SFM-PCU is the ideal peripheral system for large powder volumes.
Stratasys Ltd. showcased its new F3300 fused deposition modeling 3D printer. Its design and advanced features transform how AM is used in the most demanding industries such as aerospace, automotive, government/military, and service bureaus.
WASP presented a series of technological innovations in the world of liquid deposition modeling and fused granulate fabrication 3D printing. Among the new products presented CEREBRO, METAMORFOSI, and the WASP App.
Wibu-Systems displayed how CodeMeter empowers new AM business models with smart software licensing and tough IP protection. In cooperation with Farsoon Technologies and Daimler Buses, Wibu-Systems integrated its CodeMeter solution in a novel online store service for parts and components for Daimler and Setra brand buses—the OMNIplus service.
Xaar and Lincsolution formalized a partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding at Formnext 2023. Xaar’s Nitrox and Aquinox printheads will be used by Lincsolution in its latest binder jet metal 3D printers as the business focuses on delivering new machines for mold, jig, automotive, and mass-customization products.
Next Year
Formnext makes an appearance in the U.S. in 2024 at IMTS or the International Manufacturing Technology Show. The Additive Manufacturing Sector Powered by Formnext will be at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL September 9 to 14, 2024.
Nov2023, Industrial Print Magazine
