Europe - Europe’s tool and mould makers are facing fierce competition caused by increasing cost pressures and globalisation; which, on the other hand, also offers opportunities to tap into new markets and embrace new technologies. Let’s see what 2017 holds for the industry.

Utilising Stratasys’ PolyJet technology, Unilever 3D prints injection mould tools to create prototype parts in final material. It reportedly slashed lead times for prototype parts by 40%

3D printing – Additive manufacturing specialist Stratasys has announced at Hannover Messe 2017 that Siemens' mobility division is using Stratasys 3D printing technology to print customised parts for a German transport services provider.

AM in car racing – McLaren Racing is expanding its use of Stratasys 3D-printing to produce components for its 2017 Formula 1 MCL32 race car with the goal of accelerating design modifications and reducing weight to increase performance, Stratasys says.

United States - Stylish and unique garments and accessories designed by students of the Savannah College of Art and Design will be made of recycled and reused Plastics.

United States/ Europe – Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies' innovation combines CNC and additive technologies. The hybrid kit can be integrated into any CNC machine for metal deposition (via laser cladding), finishing and inspection of parts on a single machine.

The development follows two recent introductions of machine tools with capabilities for both additive manufacturing and milling operations.

Weeks before international exhibition and conference on the next generation of manufacturing technologies Formnext take place, organiser Mesago already reported record numbers. The event mirrors the rising interest in additive manufacturing.

Quality Assurance – Sigma Labs has developed and released its Print Rite 3D Inspect In-Process Quality Assurance software Version 3.0.

With the “Supersonic 3D Deposition” technology, “SPEE3D” has developed a 3D printing technology that accelerates air up to supersonic speed, depositing metal powders onto a substrate. This technology is said to offer 3D metal printing at production speed.