Erfurt becomes a hub for additive innovations

This year, 71 exhibitors from seven countries are taking part, including Belgium, China, France, Italy, Switzerland, the USA and, of course, Germany. In addition to international heavyweights such as 3D Systems, Linde and Stratasys, Thuringian SMEs as well as universities and research institutes such as Portec, Ernst Abbe University and TITK will also be demonstrating what is possible when it comes to 3D printing.

At the specialist congress, 73 experts from industry and research will have their say - from Germany and other countries such as Denmark, the UK, the Netherlands, Poland, Turkey and Switzerland. In the exhibitor forum, 25 speakers will also present exciting practical examples and new applications.

Future trends between the earth and the moon

Under the motto "Innovative and profitable - the future of additive manufacturing", the event will show how broadly positioned 3D printing is today - from efficient production solutions for everyday life to visionary projects in space. One highlight: how components can be produced more economically using dry ice blasting. Or how 3D-printed moon rock can even be used to build base stations on the moon.

Program highlights include keynote speeches by experts from MTU Aero Engines, the BWT Alpine Formula One Team, Roland Berger and Turkish Aerospace. Eight user forums and the quality-tested AM Science Forum offer in-depth insights into various topics.

Brand new in the program: the forums "Energy & Hydrogen" and "Electronics & Components", which address the increasing demand for AM solutions in energy, electrical and military technology. Other topics range from aerospace, mobility, medicine and AI to design. Industry associations such as VDMA Additive Manufacturing, Dechema and 3-D MID will also be contributing their expertise on AM, robotics, chemistry and process engineering.

Congress meets practice

Visitors can look forward to an even closer integration of presentations and exhibition: what is presented in the congress hall can be experienced live in the hall - often hands-on. This is ensured not only by the exhibitor stands, but also by special networking formats such as the "Technical Deep Dives", the expert tables and the AM Science Poster Session.

3D Pioneers Challenge: A decade of innovation

The 3D Pioneers Challenge (3DPC) is once again a fixed item on the program this year. The tenth anniversary will be particularly exciting: previous winners and finalists were able to apply again - with the aim of becoming "Pioneer of the Decade". 33 teams from all over the world made it to the final. They range from the first 3D-printed heart made from stem cells from Israel to an AM technology for weightlessness from Switzerland and musically inspired sculptures from a 3D printer from Austria.

Quantum Photonics will take place for the first time at the same time as Rapid.Tech 3D on May 13 and 14. Additive manufacturing and quantum technologies - two future fields with many interfaces. The joint platform offers great potential for new impetus and synergies.