Germany – Additive manufacturing is booming with worldwide sales in 2016 forecast to increase by around 30% to more than US$7bn. An industry pioneer is Concept Laser of Lichtenfels, Germany. The company continues to lead today, now with its vision of the “AM Factory of Tomorrow”.

France – Sylvestre Perrin has been appointed new General Manager for ARRK LCO Protomoule in Alby-sur-Chéran, near Annecy, France.

The German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW) and Messe Erfurt want to meld, step-by-step, their exhibitions, which are Metav and Rapid-Tech and Fab-Con 3D, journalist Walter Frick reports.

Germany – For 70 years, Wernigerode-based company Schneider has been producing high-quality writing instruments. The company’s continued success today, which includes the production of 80 million ink cartridge cases each year, involves systems from Günther Hot-Runner Technology.

Japan - Turning, multitasking or 5-axis machining are terms Okuma has long been known for in the manufacturing world. Now, the Japan-based machine tool maker introduces a machine that "can do it all in one": milling, turning, grinding, laser-hardening and 3D metal printing.

The products and services presented by exhibitors at Moulding Expo will cover all areas of tool, pattern and mould-making but it is the range of these exhibitors which is the true strength of Moulding Expo.

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.

China - This year's edition of Die and Mould China will target three main themes, summed-up in its theme, “Focus·Lead·High-quality Development”. The Chinese die and mould has come a long way and has now become a country to contend with.

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.