Companies across many industries have come to the conclusion that additive manufacturing will make them less dependent on traditional supply chains. However, an essential pre-condition for this approach is that the post processing operations must comply with the requirements for volume production.

Simulation and digital twins developed by Siemens enable the start-up You Mawo in offering bespoke eyeglass frames in such a way that they are accessible, affordable, and sustainable for a broad market. The customisation process considers parameters such as design, a perfect fit for the person wearing the glasses and colour.

The Ultra High Viscosity Technology developed by Xaar is providing manufacturers with an array of new and practical production possibilities, the company announced.

Germany – Trumpf recently presented its new ‘TruTops Print’ software which aims at enhancing the efficiency of 3D printing without diminishing part quality. The highlight of this software is its ‘Z-segmentation’ feature which assists the 3D printer to generate thicker or thinner layers for each part depending on the importance of each segment.

UK – Renishaw has launched its latest range of 3D printing machinery – The RenAM 500S Flex, a single laser additive manufacturing machine and the RenAM 500Q Flex, a four laser AM machine. Both the machines are variants of the RenAM 500 range and come equipped with a powder handling system which proves beneficial for manufacturers who regularly swap build materials during production.

Italy/Germany — As announced last year, Trumpf is now taking over the joint venture with Sisma in Italy completely. Up to now, the Ditzingen-based company holds 55 percent of the shares.

Sweden — The supplier of hard, 3D printed metals VBN Components is on a growth trajectory. That is why the Swedish company recently moved in larger premises.

On Site Gas systems used SLS technology and hand-painted models from Quickparts to create scale models for an enhanced tradeshow presence.

USA — As of the beginning of September 2021, the former On Demand Manufacturing business unit of 3D systems is now doing business as an independent company known as Quickparts. 3D Systems has sold its On Demand Manufacturing business unit to the US private equity company Trilantic.

Germany — Zeiss and EOS collaborate in in-process monitoring for metal powder bed. The joint goal is to develop and market a powder bed monitoring system for 3D printing. A trained neuronal network is to automate analysis procedures and reduce costs.