Now in its 19th year, Rapid.Tech 3D has once again cemented its reputation as a trendsetting event for the AM scene. From 9 to 11 May, around 2,700 guests from Germany and abroad streamed through the conference doors to enjoy more than 70 expert lectures hosted in nine industry and technology forums and to explore the trade exhibition with 93 exhibitor presentations. They also made the most of the numerous networking opportunities, from “meet the expert” sessions in small groups to the large evening event. Once again, Rapid.Tech 3D won participants over with the outstandingly high quality of the conference and exhibition.
A cheaper way to reach for the stars with 3D printing
The high-calibre nature of the programme also shone through on the third and final day of the 2023 staging of the event. Dr Steffen Beyer, Manager of SprayLab Additive Manufacturing & Industrialization Expert at the Ariane Group, took the audience sky-high with his keynote. He spoke about directed energy deposition (DED) processes used to produce combustion chamber components for rocket engines. This should enable Ariane’s rockets, which are essential for European space travel, to get into space more cheaply than before in the future. The DED processes as well as other AM processes are key building blocks for reducing engine costs from EUR 10 million as they stand at the moment to EUR 1 million. A tough goal that can only be achieved using disruptive technologies, Dr Beyer stressed.
Many hurdles remain in additive training
There are still many hurdles to clear to ensure successful training and further education in additive manufacturing, in order to create a perfect fit in matching supply with demand. This came clearly to the fore in a panel discussion involving experts from industry and education, organised by the Additive Manufacturing Working Group of Germany’s mechanical engineering industry association VDMA and the Building 3D e.V. network.
Cooperation with VDMA launched for 2024
Extensive discussions also took place on the fringes of the event between the VDMA’s executive board and the Additive Manufacturing Working Group and Messe Erfurt in preparation for the 2024 event. The AM Working Group will be closely involved in determining the content of the conference and the trade exhibition.
Change at the top of the advisory board
The topic of education and qualification will continue to play a role at Rapid.Tech 3D, ensured not least by the event’s advisory board. As part of the evening event on 10 May, there was a “passing of the baton”. The long-standing chairman of the advisory board for science, Prof. Gerd Witt from the University of Duisburg-Essen, bowed out, receiving great thanks for his commitment. He has been succeeded by Prof. Christian Seidel from the Munich University of Applied Sciences. Prof. Seidel now shares the reins with Stratasys manager Michael Eichmann, who has contributed industry expertise at the head of the advisory board since the very first Rapid.Tech 3D. Prof. Witt will continue to be involved in Rapid.Tech 3D as honorary chairman.
Anniversary event 2024
The next Rapid.Tech 3D is set to take place from 14 to 16 May 2024, marking its 20th year.
Further information at: www.rapidtech-3d.de
