One of the UK’s leading technology specialists is set to launch a new deployable hybrid manufacturing system that can be set-up in just twenty-five minutes.

Rising costs, limited availability, and growing complexity make material selection a significant challenge. Digital sourcing helps secure the right materials quickly and flexibly, remaining reliable even when global supply chains are under immense pressure.

As skilled workers retire and factories become more international, manufacturers face the risk of losing critical process know-how. A new AI system developed at KAIST combines generative models and large language models to optimise injection moulding processes while transferring expert knowledge directly to operators in multiple languages.

3D-printed, conformally cooled tool inserts significantly reduce cycle times and boost component quality. Speedpart demonstrates how additive and hybrid manufacturing open up new design freedom in toolmaking — from individual inserts to complete mould construction.

With its Secure Line, Ultimaker brings industrial 3D printing to defense operations across land, sea and air. The new S6 Secure and S8 Secure offer rugged design, data protection and reliable field performance.

Materials specialist Lehvoss presents its comprehensive Smart Resourcing concept at the K2025 plastics trade fair as a response to the complex challenges of the plastics industry. The Smart Resourcing concept enables customers to find the optimal combination of performance, economic efficiency, and sustainability for their specific requirements.

At K 2025, the Domino project by Hasco, Arburg and Polar-Form are showcasing new impulses for mouldmaking. With a 3D-printed hot runner system and compact family mould concept, the partners demonstrate how innovation, cooperation and design freedom can lead to more economical, flexible and future-oriented production solutions.

From hybrid machine tools to AI-driven robotics and automated post-processing, additive manufacturing is entering a new phase of industrial maturity. A look at current technologies shows how AM is becoming a reliable, scalable element of modern production.

Ten years on, Formnext proves once again why it is the world’s leading stage for Additive Manufacturing: record attendance, breakthrough technologies and a strong industry push toward real-world AM production.

Fraunhofer ILT and MacLean-Fogg have manufactured a complex die-casting tool inlay for large aluminium parts using laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M). This was made possible by the special steel L-40.