Trend topics
On Additively everything revolves around the topics that will change the manufacturing industry in the coming years. Discover exciting videos, successful application examples, interesting events, competent solution providers and much more in each topic.
Design for additive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing eliminates various design limitations of existing production methods. In other words: highly complex components that could not be produced using conventional methods are now possible with additive manufacturing. However, AM requires new approaches to thinking and designing as well as the correct use of corresponding software. Certain limitations also need to be taken into consideration. This focus topic shows you how to get the most out of design for additive manufacturing.
New technologies and materials
3D printing stands for a broad palette of different, rapidly developing manufacturing methods. What was inconceivable just a few years ago is now standard practice. This focus topic shows you all you need to know about new technologies and materials and the options they have to offer.
Boosting performance
Additive manufacturing enables the production of "better" components and products. "Better" in this regard stands for lighter, more stable or unusual components or fluid-dynamic optimisation. This focus topics introduces you to some interesting examples of performance-enhancing components.
Customer and patient-specific solutions
Additive manufacturing produces components directly from digital data that can be customised for each individual client. It enables a much wider scope of product customisation than was previously the case. In fact, it can go as far as co-creation where the client is actively integrated in the design process. This focus topic looks at different solutions for product customisation.
Small series & digital spare parts management
In contrast to conventional production methods, economies of scale do not apply to additive manufacturing. This means the cost per unit is not dependent on the number of units, which makes cost-effective small series possible. In turn, this opens up new applications such as digital spare parts management. Spare parts are stored digitally and produced individually when required. This focus topic presents interesting examples of small series.
Rapid prototyping & rapid tooling
Rapid prototyping stands for different additive manufacturing methods used for the rapid production of sample components – and that is where the origin of additive manufacturing lies. Rapid tooling is also concerned with fast product manufacturing. It makes use of additive manufacturing techniques to produce tools. This focus topic shows how you can benefit from rapid manufacturing methods.
Post-processing & quality assurance
The majority of components made with additive manufacturing do not leave the printer in a ready-to-use condition. Some form of post-processing is often required. Quality assurance is another post-production challenge. Get to know these downstream processes in this focus topic.
Business case, legal issues & approvals
Additive manufacturing techniques open up a world of new options, but are generally expensive. This is why it is important to start with a business case to analyse the benefits in comparison to the costs. Furthermore, manufacturing directly from digital data involves legal hurdles and gaining approval for processes in regulated markets such as medical technology or aviation is a huge challenge. Find out in this focus topic how to develop a successful business case and deal with legal issues.
3D scanning & digitalised process chains
3D data of the components to be produced are the basis for additive manufacturing. These data need to be creatable, processable, storable and traceable. Enterprises need to implement a largely digital process chain to simplify data handling processes. 3D scanning is a first step in the right direction: this makes it possible to digitise existing components. This focus topic looks at the challenges facing a digitised process chain and various ways of overcoming them.
Further innovative solutions
Further solutions and technologies enable innovation with additive manufacturing. Get inspired by various applications of the exhibitors at this point.