Additive manufacturing is becoming increasingly relevant for serial production. While many think of printing prototypes, there is another possibility: tools made with 3D printers. We show the advantages of this method with two exciting use cases.

UK — Following major acquisitions between 2010 and 2012, most market experts expected the 3D printing market to consolidate very soon. But this consolidation process never happened — will it happen now?

Whether injection moulding or machining, tooling is essential. Cheaper production and cooling close to the contour are the main arguments for producing tools using additive manufacturing. But there is more to it than that.

Combining different manufacturing processes often pays dividends for manufacturing companies. This also applies to grinding and precision machining. Grinding Hub will provide a compact overview of the market for production technologies in this challenging environment.

Formula One powerhouse McLaren Racing is responding to tighter vehicle production time and budget limits from the FIA by 3D printing tens of thousands of parts with large next-generation Neo 800 stereolithography 3D printers from Stratasys.

Researchers are now making it possible to produce complex metallic structures in the nanometre range using 3D printing. And this is how it's done.

The Rodin FZero is supposed to outrun even Formula 1 bolides on race tracks. To achieve this, the company relies on resilient and seamless titanium components from the 3D printer, which also enable a unique transmission.

Italy — Actually, a crowdfunding campaign was supposed to help the electric car XEV Yoyo achieve a breakthrough. But its goal was not achieved. Nevertheless, the Italians have now dared to launch it on the market.

The Fraunhofer IPA hosted a user forum on additive manufacturing. The speakers presented successful developments and technological hurdles. Of particular interest was the topic of integrating 3D printing into a company's own processing chain.

For the production of complex customized parts and small series manufacturing, 3D metal printing has already proved its worth. However, for large series, industrial 3D printing is required. Experts believe that aluminum is particularly suitable for this purpose.