Formnext global exhibition

Additive manufacturing also known as 3D printing has rapidly evolved since the 80’s and is now a major fabrication methodology for rapid prototyping of custom-made object [1]. Its benefits are applied in many fields such as medical, academic, aerospace, robotics and industrial machinery. 3D printing encompasses different technologies like stereolithography (SLA), fused deposition modeling (FDM) or selective laser melting (SLM) using metal powder. Those printers exhibiting different workflows and using different materials allow to access wide range of possibilities for the characteristics (structural complexity, color, resolution, etc) and properties of the final constructs [2] [3].

Formnext convention in Frankfurt, November 2021

3D printing is making great strides every year and the business market is growing with them so as to respond to customers demand and to access a wider range of applications. In order to promote these new 3D printing related innovations, Formnext is taking place every November in Frankfurt since 2015. Formnext is a global exhibition on additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing gathering hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors. This event is an opportunity for the actors of 3D printing to exchange with companies and discover novelties in terms of printers, materials, post processing solutions and software.

Formnext also represents a human experience as this convention brings together people working in a wide range of fields, from experts to beginners in 3D printing. Formnext 2021 allowed the additive manufacturing community to meet again after 2020’s edition which took place online because of COVID-19.

Now let’s see how these innovations will be put to good use!

[1] Matias, Elizabeth & Rao, Bharat. (2015). 3D printing: On its historical evolution and the implications for business. 551-558. 10.1109/PICMET.2015.7273052.
[2] Deshmukh, Kalim & Houkan, Mohammad & AlMa’adeed, Mariam & Sadasivuni, Kishor kumar. (2020). Introduction to 3D and 4D printing technology: State of the art and recent trends. 10.1016/B978-0-12-816805-9.00001-6.
[3] Wohlers Associates Inc. (2013). Wohlers report. Fort Collins, CO: Wohlers.

 

This article was written by Marie Moulin as part of an ongoing series of scientific communications written and curated by BioTrib’s Early Stage Researchers.

Marie is researching the Bioprinting of Bone and Cartilage at Uppsala University, Sweden.