Whether on drilling platforms, in household appliances or in space telescopes - additively manufactured parts are conquering more and more fields of application. The Rapid.Tech + FabCon 3.D user conference in Erfurt on June 6 and 7 will provide an insight into new material, product and process solutions. "We want to give visitors ideas on how additive technologies can be integrated into existing operational processes and how future production landscapes can be designed in terms of demand-driven production with additive manufacturing," says Dr. Sabine Sändig, Project Manager in the Technology Promotion department at Thüringer Aufbaubank. The expert in laser material processing and additive manufacturing is responsible for the content of the user conference.

The first thematic block will focus on new materials and technologies. New production solutions and user examples for a wide range of industries form the main content of the conference. For example, Fraunhofer IOF will be presenting the additive manufacturing of metal optics, for example for aerospace applications, medical technology or the automotive sector. The researchers are focusing on the development of a technology chain based on the selective laser melting process of aluminum-silicon alloys.

The presentations in the concluding conference session will shed light on how AM production processes can be certified to ensure consistent series quality, what status has been achieved in this regard and what guidelines and standards have been developed with regard to occupational safety and qualification.

Pioneer for 3D technologies

The user conference has been part of the international trade fair and conference for additive technologies Rapid.Tech + FabCon 3.D from June 5 to 7 at Messe Erfurt from the very beginning. The trade fair, which is fully booked this year with more than 200 exhibitors, is celebrating its 15th anniversary and is thus one of the international pioneers for 3D technologies.

The extensive and unique program of the congress trade fair includes the AM Science Forum. The Medical, Dental and Orthopaedic Technology Forum is a new addition to the agenda, as is the Legal Forum. The other forums are Additive Contract Manufacturing, Design, Tool, Mold and Fixture Construction and Automotive Industry. The 3D-printed electronics & functionality and 3D metal printing forums and the aviation forum round off the congress program.

The 3D printing community meets on all three days of the 3D Printing Conference. In addition to trend topics and technical innovations, the speakers will also present insights behind the scenes of their research and development activities. am