Messe Erfurt made this decision in consultation with the advisory board. Previously, a hybrid format was planned for this oldest German congress trade fair in the field of additive manufacturing (AM). "The pandemic situation still does not allow us to reliably prepare and hold a live event this summer. That is why we are giving the "AM future makers" a digital stage on June 22 and 23 and bringing users and suppliers together virtually.

Guests at the online event can look forward to an attractive, user-oriented specialist program that presents AM solutions under the guiding principle of sustainability in nine industry and technology-specific forums. We are also offering a virtual expo and networking area," explain Michael Kynast, Managing Director of Messe Erfurt, and the Chairmen of the Advisory Board, Michael Eichmann from Stratasys and Prof. Dr. Gerd Witt from the University of Duisburg-Essen.

In the congress livestream, users and providers of additive technologies will present best-practice examples and the latest developments from the fields of automotive & mobility, medical & orthopaedic technology, aviation, software / processes / design and tool, model & mold making. In addition, the forum "News from AM", which is part of the program for the first time, offers a look into the future of additive manufacturing and presents processes and materials that go beyond the current state of the art, but are already ready for use.

Parallel to this, there will be a "Rapid.Tech Special": The focus will be on innovations from research and development, which will be discussed in the AM Science, AM in Construction & Architecture and Fraunhofer Competence Field Additive Manufacturing forums.

Traditionally, each day of the congress opens with a keynote speech. Another new feature is an additional keynote speech at the end of the event. On June 22, Ralf Anderhofstadt and Janis Kretz from Daimler Buses will explain how additive manufacturing is already integrated into bus production. At the beginning of the second day of the congress, Volker Thum, Managing Director of the German Aerospace Industries Association, will explain why industrial 3D printing is indispensable for the climate-neutral aircraft of the future. A special aviation application will be the focus of the closing lecture on the afternoon of June 23. Alexander Altmann from Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg will report on the integration of AM technology in the production of the wing tip folding drive system of the Boing 777X using a hydraulic actuator.