Formnext 2017 Review: A Rip-Roaring Success for the World of 3D Printing

21 November 2017

Last week, formnext was back – and the Frankfurt-based trade fair was bigger and better than ever. Over the course of four days, we saw more than 20,000 visitors walk through the formnext doors to witness the latest developments and technologies from the world of additive manufacturing. And with 470 exhibitors from industries ranging from aerospace to medical and automotive, there was sure to be something for everyone. Find out what the RP Platform team got up to at formnext – and stay tuned for our in-depth interviews featuring some of the companies that attended the event.  

First impressions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The scale of this year’s formnext was certainly something to behold. Spread over two floors, there was an impressive variety of exhibitors, from OEMs to software companies and businesses providing post-processing solutions. Furthermore, the series of talks and presentations on the tct introducing @ formnext throughout the week were a unique opportunity to hear industry perspectives on the current trends within AM and visions for the future.    

 

Formnext: A success for RP Platform

We were pleased to announce our participation in formnext 2017 for the second year running – and true to our expectations, it was a resounding success. Formnext provided the perfect opportunity for our team to showcase the newest features of our software platform and discuss the ways in which RP Platform can make company workflows more efficient.

Moreover, it was a great chance to meet with current and future customers – we were able to answer queries relating to our software and its features – including the use of automated quotations, seamless email integration and production management tools.

Our Head of Business Development, Felix Doerr, had nothing but praises for formnext 2017:

“Formnext is an impressive event that is unparalleled in terms of its size and expertise in the industry. It was a great success for Autonomous Manufacturing and our brand RP Platform.

We have had amazing conversations with customers, prospects, cooperation partners and machine manufacturers – and we were even able to start some projects directly at the fair. Now our aim is to try and implement as much as possible and we look forward to presenting the results at next year’s formnext.”

 

Key highlights

With the sheer range of technologies on display, it would be almost impossible to list all of the exhibits in one article. So we’ve compiled a list of just some of the highlights at formnext this year:

Post-processing automation: the next step?

One of the biggest themes of formnext this year was the impact of automation on the manufacturing process – particularly with regard to post-processing. With many post-processing services still largely performed manually, several companies were on-hand to present their own automated post-processing solutions. These included:

• German-based company, Klaeger, which provides a range of post-processing sawing systems, including its VBS600 and bitron300.

 

• Additive Manufacturing Technologies, based in Sheffield, which showcased its patented PostPro3D technology for post-processing 3D-printed polymer parts. 

 

Stay tuned for a more in-depth feature of these companies on the RP Platform website.

New metal 3D printing technologies

As metal 3D printing is an area currently facing rapid growth within the AM industry, it’s no surprise that this year’s formnext featured a variety of metal 3D technologies, from Renishaw’s RenAM 500Q four-laser AM system to Markforged’s new Metal X Printer. Other metal 3D printing technologies included:

• Desktop Metal’s Production System

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year, Desktop Metal featured its metal 3D production printing system, which will be released in 2018. The system, which includes a printer, debinder and sintering furnace,  is reportedly 100x faster than similar DMLS technologies. Using powder-based Single Pass Jetting technology, it boasts high precision and prints in both directions. 

 

• Additive Industries’ MetalFAB1 metal printing system

With a build volume of 420x420x400, this modular metal printing system includes a double build chamber, integrated heat treatment system and storage module; it also allows for the automated removal of printed parts.

SLS and FDM technologies

There was also, unsurprisingly, a range of SLS, FDM and SLA technologies:

• SondaSys

Following our inclusion of the new Sondasys printer as one of the five technologies to watch out for at formnext, it was great to see and have a demo of the machine up close and personal. Sondasys – the company’s first SLS printer – boasts an exchangeable chamber and a user-friendly interface to monitor print progress.

 

• Dynamical Tools’ DT600 printer

The Spanish company showcased their new FDM printer and revealed that they will be developing a new SLS machine to be released in April 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other notable highlights of formnext include HP’s Jet Fusion 3D 4210 platform, ACEO’s presentation of their new multi-silicone printing technology and Texel’s demonstration of its innovative portal 3D scanner.

Final Thoughts

Overall, formnext 2017 has proved yet again to be the key event in the additive manufacturing calendar. Showcasing the various applications of AM technologies and providing valuable network opportunities, it is an event not to be missed. For the RP Platform team, it was an honour to participate in one of the leading events in additive manufacturing, and we’re already looking forward to what next year’s formnext will bring!

In the meantime, stay tuned for our spotlight series on some of the companies showcasing at formnext this year – and why not  also subscribe to our newsletter for more news and events?