New seminar series set to introduce novices to AM at formnext

This two-hour presentation programme, which will be held on all four days of the exhibition, is geared toward developers, CEOs, and other decision-makers – particularly those from small- and mid-size companies interested in learning more about how they might utilise 3D printing. Among other aspects, participants will find out where the potential of this technology lies and where it can benefit their own production operations.

discover3Dprinting is being held in cooperation with the Aachen Centre for Additive Manufacturing (ACAM). The centre’s director, Dr Kristian Arntz, believes that mid-size industrial companies, in particular, need a great deal more information about this emerging technology.

“Industrial 3D printing is breaking through in many sectors and applications, but firms often don't know enough about the specialised uses, unit quantities, and areas in which these new methods really pay off,” stated Arntz.

At formnext 2017, numerous exhibitors will be presenting intriguing solutions that can help industrial companies of all sizes benefit from the opportunities afforded by additive manufacturing.

“To succeed with AM technology and ultimately turn a profit, you have to adopt a different, more ‘additive’ mindset,” said Christoph Stüker, the project manager responsible for discover3Dprinting at formnext organiser Mesago Messe Frankfurt. “That means coming up with lighter designs, integrating functions, and opting for complete assemblies rather than individual functional components, for example.”

Besides offering a sound overview of the technologies involved, discover3Dprinting will further support this change in mindset by discussing highly practical approaches to assessing the cost of AM equipment, integrating it into existing production processes, and accounting for all of the key factors in play during corresponding implementations. The two-hour programme will feature experts from ACAM, who will demonstrate where additive manufacturing has proven useful and where problems can crop up based on real-world examples.

On all four days of the exhibition, the discover3Dprinting seminar will take place right in the middle of the action in the am4u area (hall 3.0, booth H50) from 9.30 to 11.30am. It will be held in both German (Tuesday and Thursday, 14-16 November) and English (Wednesday and Friday, 15-17 November). Following each seminar, visitors will have the chance to explore specific questions further with the experts from ACAM and apply what they have learned in conversations with this year’s exhibitors. Formnext attendees can take part in discover3Dprinting free of charge.

Formnext powered by TCT is a leading trade fair for additive manufacturing and the next generation of intelligent manufacturing solutions. The conference set to take place alongside the exhibition will also highlight the latest trends and issues in additive manufacturing, along with clever ways in which it can be integrated into process chains in industrial production.

www.formnext.com