Arburg Additive impressed at Formnext 2024 with the debut of the Freeformer 550-3X, new materials like TR 90 and LMPAEK, and breakthroughs in medical and aerospace applications. Sustainability and innovation took center stage, from recyclable bioplastics to combining plastic and metal printing in cutting-edge research projects.

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.

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.

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.

The European security and defence industry is at a turning point. With the European Defence Supply Congress on 28 and 29 April 2026 in Munich, the Aerospace & Defence media brand of the Vogel Communications Group is creating a central platform for civil technology providers to enter the European defence industry.

Messe Düsseldorf is consolidating its global trade fair activities for the plastics and rubber industry under the new umbrella brand K-Alliance. In addition to the flagship event K in Düsseldorf, the brand brings together a growing network of international trade fairs.

The trade fairs K, Interpack and Drupa are further expanding their international reach by jointly entering the Saudi Arabian market. This step is made possible by the expanded partnership between Messe Düsseldorf and the Riyadh Exhibition Company. The Saudi Plastics & Petrochem and Saudi Print & Pack exhibitions will be expanded to include regional editions of K, Interpack and Drupa.

Cloud-based mould cooling simulation is gaining a further performance boost as Maya HTT integrates the Polygonica geometry engine into its Simform platform. The enhancement supports more robust mesh handling and faster thermal analysis, enabling designers and mould makers to optimise cooling layouts earlier in the injection moulding workflow.

At the Advanced Engineering Show in Birmingham, Goodfellow is set to spotlight additive manufacturing, sustainable materials, and cross-sector innovation. Alongside discussions on biopolymers, high-entropy alloys, and AI-driven material design, the company will also record a live episode of its Innovation Discussed podcast from the event, capturing key insights on the future of advanced materials.

A breakthrough in personalised cycling has earned Fizik top honours at the 2025 Eurobike Awards. The company’s One-to-One custom saddle program, developed with Gebiomized and powered by Carbon’s 3D printing technology, won Gold in the Components category for its innovative approach to rider-specific comfort and performance.