The spectrum of exhibitors at the Hamburg Messe und Congress site ranges from well-known companies to innovative start-ups. The Fraunhofer IAPT's Additive Conference will once again be on site.

Local one-off production instead of global mass production

Plastic, metal, ceramics - there are suitable materials for 3D printing complex structures for almost every area of application in manufacturing. One of the major advantages of additive manufacturing processes is the fast and resource-efficient realization of individual customer requirements. The workpieces are often many times lighter and more resistant than their mechanically produced predecessors.

Anja Holinsky, project manager at Nortec, says: "In times of strong international competition and rapid digital transformation, the manufacturing industry is increasingly focusing on local one-off production instead of global mass production. We want to help them along this path and identify opportunities for growth. At the Nortec Campus for SMEs, we bring together scientists, suppliers and users who are very familiar with additive manufacturing. In addition to practical discussions with experts and consultants, the focus here is on live demonstrations, specialist presentations and examples of best practice. This means that theory is put directly into practice and questions can be answered quickly and easily on site.

Additive Conference showcases the digital and additive future of production

As in previous years, the Fraunhofer IAPT is organizing the Additive Conference as part of Nortec 2020. The Fraunhofer specialists are supported by the 3D printing network in the Hamburg metropolitan region. The conference will focus on the industrialization of additive technologies and the associated technology transfer.

During the conference, experts from research and industry will provide information on the potential of innovative laser technologies and show how implementation works in practice. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Claus Emmelmann, Director of Fraunhofer IAPT, will highlight the importance of knowledge transfer, especially for SMEs, and encourage those still undecided to attend the conference: "With annual growth rates of over 25 percent, industrial additive 3D printing is constantly opening up new applications in small and series production thanks to profitable technologies. At Additive 2020, the leading additive experts from Fraunhofer IAPT will show you how you too can shape your additive success."

Europe talk days offer advice on internationalization, innovation, funding and financing

Companies planning international activities or looking to implement innovations are in the right place at the Nortec Campus for SMEs. On January 21 and 22, 2020, experts from the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) will be on site to answer individual questions. Visitors and exhibitors at the trade fair will receive free support in establishing contacts with international business and research partners as well as advice on European funding and financing or innovation management.