Concept

The world’s leading trade fair for additive manufacturing takes place in Erfurt, and covers a range of specialist topics as well as key cross-cutting issues such as training, law and standardisation. I’ve been coming to Erfurt for seven years ,and I’ve always found it incredibly useful.

We heard about the Erfurt exhibition at another event, so we decided to come along in 2019 and present our achievements in post-processing for 3D-printed metal parts. It was a decision that paid off. Lots of interested people visited our stand and learned more about the benefits of our patented Hirtisation technology, which removes sintered-on particles and support structures, and smooths surfaces. It’s suitable for all metals and alloys commonly used n 3D-printing.

We’ve noticed increased demand for additive technologies in tool- and mould-making. So this year we geared our exhibition presence to this topic. This year we are also unveiling new exhibits, printed using the powder bed process and powder deposition welding, the two mainstays of 3D metal printing at Trumpf. In addition to helping us cultivate relationships with our customers and partners, Erfurt always gives us the opportunity to compare notes with representatives from universities and research institutes, which traditionally have a strong presence here.

The process we developed for manufacturing a 3D-printable pure quartz glass, which can also be printed on in 3D, impressed the Start-Up Awards jury, and we won first prize. We are absolutely delighted. Erfurt is one of the most important platforms for 3D printing. All the leading companies in the field have a presence here. It has given us great publicity for our young company, which is only just a year old.

The 16th Rapid.Tech + FabCon 3.D was a hit yet again with an appealing exhibition and high-calibre specialist forums. Germany’s longest-standing trade fair in this field has become an institution, never afraid to pick up on the latest trends and run with them. Lateral thinking will continue to be the key to future events and to giving visitors an insight into the wide variety of cost-effective additive manufacturing solutions out there.