CNC machining enables Speedpart to manufacture complex components from production-grade metals and engineering plastics with high dimensional accuracy. The process complements additive manufacturing where tight tolerances, fits and functional surfaces are required.

According to Speedpart, the printable plastic material Accura Xtreme Black helps meet current requirements in additive manufacturing.

The Formnext Awards 2026 are now open for submissions, once again highlighting outstanding achievements across the additive manufacturing industry. Presented in six categories, the awards recognize technological innovation, sustainable solutions, viable business models, design excellence and personal commitment within the AM community.

What if metal 3D printing no longer needed STL files? Researchers have demonstrated an STL-free approach to laser powder bed fusion that delivers microscale lattice structures with dramatically improved strength, surface quality and computational efficiency.

With a major update to Geomagic Freeform, Hexagon is aiming to make advanced 3D design easier to access for manufacturers, designers and small businesses.

As it embarks on its busiest exhibition programme to date, Carfulan Group will use Southern Manufacturing to showcase a broad portfolio of advanced production and metrology technologies. The highlight is the first public showing of OGP UK’s smart scope M7, alongside live demonstrations spanning additive manufacturing, optical measurement, tool presetting and data-driven production workflows.

By expanding its global manufacturing partnership with Alstom, Replique is strengthening flexible, decentralised parts supply for rail applications worldwide. From series production to legacy spare parts, the collaboration demonstrates how digitally enabled manufacturing can support efficient and reliable rail operations across multiple regions.

Metal additive manufacturing is moving fast in metalworking, but one issue still blocks wider shop-floor adoption: internal defects that don’t show up until parts fail in service. A team from Kims and the Max Planck Institute has developed an explainable AI model for laser powder bed fusion that evaluates not just how much porosity a part has, but what kind of pores form, where they sit, and how they weaken mechanical performance.

With the United Kingdom confirmed as partner country, Formnext 2026 is gaining early momentum and sharpening its focus on additive manufacturing applications in industries such as orthopedics, aviation and automotive.

Arburg is exiting the additive manufacturing market by the end of 2025 to refocus on its core injection moulding business — while ensuring full service and spare parts support for existing Freeformer users.