BMW is expanding its use of 3D printing in production, deploying lightweight, custom robot grippers and sand casting moulds to boost efficiency, cut emissions, and enable more flexible, automated manufacturing across its global plants.

Threaded metal inserts offer a practical solution to improve the durability and reusability of threaded connections in 3D printed parts. E-Z Lok provides a range of press-in and heat-stake inserts designed specifically for use with thermoplastics, helping to ensure secure fastening and consistent performance in prototyping and production environments.

A new partnership between Comau and Roboze aims to transform advanced manufacturing by combining automation and 3D printing for more agile, efficient, and sustainable production.

Designed to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing in production, the new North American Stratasys Tooling Center (NASTC) in Flint, Michigan brings together Stratasys and Automation Intelligence. The hub offers hands-on access to industrial 3D printing and engineering support, helping manufacturers develop and scale cost-effective tooling solutions.

Faster, more precise, more versatile: Speedpart is expanding its 3D printing portfolio with the Multi Jet Fusion process and setting new standards in additive manufacturing.

Arburg Additive is set to showcase groundbreaking 3D printing technologies at the 20th anniversary of Rapidtech in Erfurt from May 14-16, 2024, highlighting its presence with two innovative exhibits: the advanced 750-3X Freeformer for plastic granules and the Liq 5 for liquid silicone rubber (LSR) printing.

EMO Hannover 2025 will showcase how automation, digitalisation, and sustainability are shaping the future of metalworking. From collaborative robots to AI-driven process chains, the trade fair offers decision-makers valuable insights and solutions for modernising production and meeting new industrial challenges.

Metal additive manufacturing is evolving from a prototyping tool into a driver of high-value production across industries like aerospace and automotive. A new ID Techex report forecasts the market will nearly triple by 2035, with laser powder bed fusion leading the way, China emerging as a growth powerhouse, and tariffs posing both risks and opportunities for future adoption.

Fotec Research and Technology Transfer at the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt has succeeded in making the reworking of additively manufactured components more economical with the help of a process known as ‘Hirtising’.

CNC machining is gaining importance in rapid prototyping by enabling precise, fast, and material-accurate component production — helping to shorten development cycles across various industries.