Virtual additive manufacturing

Following the cancellation of Formnext, the organizer Mesago has announced the virtual trade fair "Formnext Connect". Sascha Wenzler, Vice President of Formnext, explains the background and focus of the new event.
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Following the cancellation of Formnext, the organizer Mesago has announced the virtual trade fair "Formnext Connect". Sascha Wenzler, Vice President of Formnext, explains the background and focus of the new event.

After the forced break in 2020 due to the coronavirus, Rapid.Tech 3D is set to take place again in Erfurt in 2021.

3D printer for concrete components
The start-up Aeditive has developed a process for 3D printing concrete components using robots. Kuka is researching the further automation of construction.
Continental is converting production for the automotive industry with additive FDM technology from Stratasys and highly specialized materials.

Formnext will also only take place virtually this year. Mesago Messe Frankfurt has decided to do so due to the current development of Covid-19 infection figures and travel restrictions.

Chiron opens up additive manufacturing
Chiron is opening up additive manufacturing with the AM Cube. It is suitable for coating and repairing components and for the near-net-shape production of semi-finished products.
Technology with a promising future
Metals are used in a wide range of industries due to their material properties such as strength, temperature resistance, durability, biocompatibility, chemical resistance and conductivity. The question arises as to what possibilities additive manufacturing with metals offers and to what extent the manufacturing industry can exploit them.

This year, the Formnext Start-up Challenge is once again recognizing young and innovative companies that are no older than five years.

In a research project, 15 companies and universities want to tap into the benefits of additive manufacturing for industrial mass production. In addition to new processes and materials, standards are also to be developed.

The Chiron Group is confronted with a significant drop in demand and responds by realigning the group of companies. Assembly and production are merged and Scherer Feinbau is sold.