Three challenging "A "s dominated the Additive Manufacturing trade fair at Messe Erfurt from June 25 to 27, 2019: Applications, Processes, Training. The 175 exhibitors, 24 of whom came from abroad, registered a further increase in the level of knowledge about 3D printing among the almost 4,500 trade visitors. They particularly emphasized the high quality of the visitors, who inquired about specific applications for additive processes in manufacturing processes with a great deal of expertise.

The numerous international start-ups and young designers also offered new creative ideas for 3D printing in 2019. © Erfurt Trade Fair

At the stands and in the 20 or so forums at the specialist congress and the 3D Printing Conference, the trade fair and congress participants primarily discussed topics relating to the economic use of additive manufacturing (AM), the necessary end-to-end processes from design to post-processing, including legal and standardization aspects, as well as the early qualification of the necessary specialists. "The three days in Erfurt impressively demonstrated that AM has arrived in the industry and that this year's congress trade fair was able to provide answers to the key challenges and trends in industrialization. The newly designed Education, Software & Processes, Standardization & Occupational Safety and Plastics forums also contributed to this, as did the enhanced networking opportunities," said Michael Eichmann(Stratasys) and Prof. Dr. Gerd Witt (University of Duisburg-Essen), Chairmen of the Advisory Board.

Regular and new exhibitors, start-ups and 3D Pioneers Challenge

In addition to leading suppliers such as 3D-Systems, EOS, FIT, Stratasys and Trumpf, who have been regular exhibitors in Erfurt for years, other well-known companies such as French 3D design software expert Dassault Systèmes and Austrian technology group Voestalpine presented solutions for cost-effective AM applications in industry for the first time this year. In addition, numerous medium-sized companies, research institutes and universities presented their expertise in materials, machines, software, post-processing solutions and other services for additive manufacturing. The numerous international start-ups and young designers also offered new creative ideas for 3D printing in 2019. Glassomer GmbH from Freiburg won the start-up award with a process for producing a 3D-printable and additionally 3D-printable high-purity quartz glass, for example for optical applications such as endoscope lenses. Messe Erfurt was also the platform for the international design competition 3D Pioneers Challenge for the fourth time, with a new record number of applicants. The high-caliber international jury received submissions from 23 countries on five continents. Among the 36 finalists, the best 3D printing design ideas were selected in the categories Architecture, Design, Digital, FashionTech, Material, MedTech, Mobility and Sustainability. The jury awarded the main prize of 10,000 euros to the "3D printed heart" project by the team from Tel Aviv University Israel, which submitted a 3D-printed mini heart made from the patient's own stem cells and organic tissue to the 3D Pioneers Challenge.

Additive manufacturing for end-to-end digital value chains

Press conference with Michael Kynast, Prof. Dr. Dr. Majeed Rana and Michael Eichmann (from left to right). © Erfurt Trade Fair

In his keynote speech, Ulli Klenk, Principal Key Expert at Siemens Gas and Power, emphasized that additive manufacturing and digitalization are partners for a perfect marriage and that together they create the conditions for completely integrated digital value chains. He did not hide the fact that manufacturers and service providers still have a lot of homework to do together. He demonstrated Siemens' AM industrialization activities using the example of a burner tip for turbines and at the same time showed the enormous potential of AM for the production of efficient and weight-saving components, which is reflected in a_{reduction in CO2} both in the production process and in the use of the parts. Whereas conventional methods required twelve individual parts for the component, the burner tip can now be printed as a single part. An additional coating process is also no longer required. Siemens Gas and Power has had experience in AM since 2006 and uses 3D printing processes for turbine production, among other things. The first turbine blade was printed in 2017. The effects that have been achieved to date using AM are up to 75 percent shorter development times, up to 65 percent savings in production resources and delivery times that have been reduced by around half. The hurdles that still need to be overcome include end-to-end software solutions that make it possible to "look inside" the machines and machining processes in detail, says Klenk, and read out parameter sets. The goal is completely virtual production for optimized, efficient manufacturing.

Additive manufacturing in aerospace and medicine

Dr. Steffen Beyer from the Ariane Group spoke about the economic quantum leap that is being targeted in space travel using AM in his keynote speech on the last day of the event. The materials specialist with a doctorate is responsible for materials, production processes and industrialization in the field of rocket engines. He is currently focusing on Ariane 6, which is due to be launched next year, as well as the next generation of rockets. The aim is to reduce engine costs with disruptive technologies. Additive manufacturing plays a key role in this, Dr. Beyer pointed out the immense challenge. In addition to the already qualified powder bed process (LBM), Ariane Group is also developing wire processes (WAAM) and cold gas spraying (CGS) for industrial use and is generally focusing on the qualification and industrialization of the entire additive development and production chain. This includes the realization of 100% seamless inline process monitoring from the starting material to the end product.

Concrete applications from medical technology to industry on the ground and in the air, including the tasks still to be solved for end-to-end digital process chains, were impressively reflected in the keynote speeches that opened each day of the trade fair. CAD software and 3D printing are becoming crucial tools for surgeons, demonstrated Prof. Dr. Dr. Majeed Rana, Senior Consultant and Deputy Clinic Director of the Clinic for Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery at Düsseldorf University Hospital. This allows him to plan an operation with pinpoint accuracy and have the required implants manufactured specifically for the patient. He has three wishes for manufacturers and service providers in 3D printing for the medical sector: user-friendliness of all products and tools, a standardized language in medicine and industry and even more speed in the practical use of applications.