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.

At Formnext 2025, Krauss Maffei will present the Powerprint Flex together with a matching tool — a modular 3D printing system designed for relatively large components.

The 2025 Formnext appearance of Aim 3D will highlight new developments in 3D pellet printing, featuring the High Performance Upgrade for the ExAM 255 and ExAM 510 systems and Voxelfill-based slicer tools developed with Create it Real to improve strength, precision and efficiency.

Additive manufacturing company Xjet announces the Carmel Pro, a compact and cost-efficient metal and ceramic 3D printing system that makes industrial-grade Nano Particle Jetting (NPJ) technology.

3D printing is extremely practical when you want to produce small quantities of customised components. However, this technology has always had one major problem: 3D printers can only process a single material at a time. Until now, objects with different material properties in different areas could only be 3D printed at great expense, if at all.

With a new subsidiary in Milan, Replique is reinforcing its commitment to the European manufacturing sector. The Italian branch expands the company’s capacity to deliver on-demand production using 3D printing, CNC and injection moulding technologies.

3D printing company Caracol demonstrates how AI-driven software and robotic LFAM technologies are transforming large-scale manufacturing. With the latest evolution of its Eidos Manufacturing Software Suite and new real-world applications across mobility sectors, the company highlights a future of more connected, autonomous and scalable production.

Rubber-like materials are expanding the possibilities of industrial 3D printing. With thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), components can now be produced that combine elasticity, strength, and design freedom in a single process. Using selective laser sintering, Speedpart delivers flexible solutions from prototype to small series.

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.

Irish Manufacturing Research and Renishaw are developing scalable metal 3D printing processes for aerospace optics, aiming to accelerate production and support Ireland’s growing space sector.