3D printing: Innovation, vision and best practices

"The 3D printing is the technology that everyone in the print community is talking about. Additive production processes are on the minds of users in the design and packaging industries, machine and plant construction, aerospace, automotive construction and dental and medical technology, over the world. So, futuristic 3D printing has an important role to play at Drupa 2016. Drupa's re-alignment is shifting the focus towards innovation sector and providing a special platform for pioneering the int

19 Oct 2015 | By PrintWeek India

Numerous traditional exhibitors like HP, Leapfrog, Mimaki, Roland, Ricoh, Xerox and TU Chemnitz are already looking into this technology and will be presenting exciting solutions. First movers like Stratasys and Massivit 3D Printing will also be attending Drupa 2016.
 
"It was important for us to pick up and focus on this topical issue. The potential of 3D printing in many vertical markets shouldn't be underestimated. In particular, spare parts for mechanical engineering or packaging design offer huge opportunities for machine builders, users and also print providers," says Sabine Geldermann. The 3D fab plus print touchpoint in Hall 7A reflects this diversity. This special show will present the very latest state of the art technology as well as vision and exciting best practical cases. Technology providers and customers, exhibitors and visitors, visionaries and real-life users can meet here and drive this exciting topic forward. KCI, Publishing BV has been tasked with organising the 3D fab plus print touchpoint.
 
The Additive Manufacturing in the VDMA workgroup, a VDMA initiative, will also contribute to Drupa 2016 with a series of presentations in the 3D fab plus print touchpoint along with its own activities. "The 3D printing is very appealing and exciting for the consumer market. It allows for complete customisation, and is the key to highly flexible production, making 3D printing very attractive for promotional items and personalised products. 3D printing is also ideal for producing small batches of tools, for finishing, for example," explains Rainer Gebhardt, project manager, Additive Manufacturing workgroup.