by Industrial Print Magazine
Formnext Frankfurt takes place November 19 to 22, 2024. It is billed as the “international showcase for the latest solutions along the entire process chain of industrial three-dimensional (3D) printing” and is sure to offer a setting for high-level discussions of everything additive manufacturing (AM).
What to See
Over 850 exhibitors are set to showcase 3D printing hardware; materials; automation solutions; software that supports design, planning, and production; as well as post-processing technologies. Here are some highlights to help plan for your trip.
Addiblast, hall 12.0, booth C79, presents its comprehensive 3D printing post-processing solutions, featuring live demonstrations of the MARS01, MARS03, and BAM03 systems. MARS01 is designed for precise manual depowdering, ideal for intricate and complex 3D printed parts. This system ensures thorough powder removal while maintaining the integrity of delicate geometries. MARS03 automates the depowdering process for large-scale operations, reducing manual labor and improving production speed without sacrificing precision. BAM03 is tailored for surface treatment of both metal and plastic parts, offering reliable, high-quality finishes to enhance the appearance and performance of 3D printed components. INFO# 153
Artec 3D, hall 12.1, booth G21, is a global leader in handheld and portable 3D scanners and software. It demonstrates the wireless, artificial intelligence-powered Artec Leo, LiDAR Ray II, and microscale accurate Micro II, as well as the new Artec Spider II and Artec Point launched at IMTS in Chicago, IL. Alongside Artec 3D’s latest hardware, visitors get the chance to discover Artec Studio 19, the latest version of its 3D scanning software. An exciting new feature is ready to be released for visitors to have a first look. Participants also get the opportunity to ask questions of experts and learn to maximize their data capture results in everything from design to reverse engineering and quality control. INFO# 136
BigRep, hall 12.1, booth E139, known for its large-scale 3D printing solutions, unveils its latest machine and visitors have the opportunity to it experience it hands on. The machines launched earlier this year—the fully-automated VIIO 250, the high-temperature ALTRA 280, and the three-in-one industrial filament dryer, the DRYCON are also on display. BigRep offers a comprehensive range of 3D printing solutions including qualified materials, reliable customer service, eLearning platform, and intelligent 3D printing software. Its unified 3D printing ecosystem delivers speed, precision, and automation tailored to meet the rigorous demands of industries such as aerospace, defense, and automotive. INFO# 137
Cubicure GmbH, hall 11.1, booth E38, represents hot lithography technology with its Caligma 3D printing system, which quickly and precisely produces prototypes and small series made from polymers without the need for tools. Recent innovations include ThermoBlast, a 3D printing material that can withstand ambient conditions up to 300 degrees Celsius. INFO# 138
Formlabs, hall 11.1, booth C68, showcases Form 4L and the biocompatible version, Form 4BL, the company’s newest large format stereolithography (SLA) printers. When it was released earlier this year, Form 4 redefined professional SLA 3D printing, unlocking new levels of productivity with a 99 percent print success rate and five times faster speeds to deliver most parts in under two hours. With a five times larger build volume while maintaining Form 4’s fast speeds and reliability, Form 4L expands the possibilities of in-house manufacturing for large-scale flexible prototyping as well as high-volume production. Formnext attendees can see both Form 4 and Form 4L in action with live printing and product demonstrations. Plus, Formlabs shows off its full lineup of materials, including new Nylon 12 White Powder and Nylon 12 Tough Powder. INFO# 139
Materialise, hall 12.1, booth C139, introduces upgrades to its software, which is designed to empower users with enhanced controls and customizations within its solutions. These updates allow users to leverage Materialise products in a way that best supports their applications and goals. With Magics, Materialise’s software for data and build preparation, the software development kit creates fully customized workflows to optimize for quality and printing time. It also introduces a feature that compares multiple part orientations pre-build to help users meet cost and quality needs. Additionally, Materialise announces a partnership to protect the intellectual property of printed parts in maintenance, repair, and overhaul. Finally, the company expands a collaboration that enables users to print high-performance geometries from massive design files as well as offer booth tours centered on use cases that showcase AM’s capabilities in series production and certified manufacturing. INFO# 140
MMP Technology/BINC Industries, hall 12.0, booth D18, offers solutions for surface treatment. The deburring/polishing method—known as Micro Machining Process (MMP)—technology, is a mechanical-physical-catalyst surface treatment applied to items placed inside a treatment tank. An innovative deburring and polishing process, MMP technology’s selective removal of roughness enables obtaining and controlling the super-finishes of surfaces at a level of homogeneity and reproducibility never reached. INFO# 141
Nano Dimension, hall 11.0, booth D22, is a leading supplier of additively manufactured electronics and multi-dimensional polymer and ceramic AM 3D printing solutions. It introduces new technology developments spanning software and materials as part of its ever-expanding AM and Micro-AM portfolio. Launching at the event and set for live demonstration on Nano Dimension’s stand is new, advanced software for the Fabrica micro 3D printers, which provide unparalleled micron level precision to capture the most intricate structural details for the production of high-precision micro-parts. The Fabrica software version 3.2.0 enables faster print times of up to 70 percent across research and development and prototyping applications, thanks to the integration of productivity-enhancing parameters that also improve and simplify overall workflow. Existing users are able to access the updated software via a free upgrade. INFO# 142
Phase3D, hall 11.0, booth E58, showcases its Fringe Inspection solution for powder-based AM. Fringe Inspection, the core in-situ inspection technology, measures every layer of the AM process to identify anomalies and helps customers improve workflow by correlating build issues to part defects. The company releases Fringe Qualification, a process control and qualification tool that allows customers to monitor their entire manufacturing operations in a single location. This technology is used across the AM value chain, from research and development to production. Furthermore, Phase3D announces new global partnerships to expand its presence in Asia and Europe. INFO# 143
Replique, hall 12.1, booth B117, provides an expanded production network, now boasting over 250 production partners worldwide. Beyond AM, the network now offers new capabilities in forging, injection molding, and metal casting. This expansion answers customer demands for comprehensive support, from initial prototypes to large-volume production on demand. Additionally, Replique announces updates to its Material Hub. The database now also includes metals and features a new and user-friendly comparison tool, enabling customers to easily select the best materials for their needs. INFO# 144
Solukon, hall 12.0, booth D71, launches the SFM-AT1500-S. Alongside the new SFM-AT1500-S, Solukon features the SFM-AT350-E with ultrasonic excitation. Thanks to an upgrade, the system for medium-size parts can now accommodate the build plates of flagship printers EOS M 400 and SLM 500. The parts can now weigh up to 100 kg with maximum dimensions of 400x400x400 or 500x280x400 millimeters. The chamber volume and the associated inert gas consumption remain low. INFO# 145
Nov2024, Industrial Print Magazine
