Fakuma 2024 is set to bring the plastics processing industry to the forefront with its 29th edition in Friedrichshafen, Germany. This year, the fair promises a blend of tradition and innovation, featuring discussions on digitalisation, a spotlight on sustainability, and a new initiative to engage young talent.

Hot runner manufacturers have introduced a range of innovative products and solutions in 2024, designed to improve injection moulding processes. Their advancements focus on boosting efficiency, reducing waste and increasing production flexibility.

Simtek Präzisionswerkzeuge will unveil its 3D-lasered chip forming geometries at AMB, enhancing metalworking precision and reliability. CEO Norbert Seifermann, who led the development, emphasizes their sharpness and chip control.

Desktop Metal highlighted over 24 customer applications using metal and ceramic binder jet 3D printing at Rapid + TCT, featuring materials like aluminum, titanium, and silicon carbide. The event marked the global debut of the Pure Sinter Furnace, noted for its high purity and efficiency.

3D printing company Stratasys has announced the commercial availability of its new SAF Polypropylene (PP) material for the H350 printer, launching in Q4 2024. Developed with BASF Forward AM, SAF PP offers cost efficiency, superior part quality, and exceptional surface aesthetics for high-volume production in Powder Bed Fusion technologies.

3D printing company X-Jet has announced the addition of 17-4PH stainless steel to its portfolio of materials for metal and ceramic additive manufacturing. The new material, offering high hardness and tensile strength, has been introduced to expand industrial applications across a range of sectors.

Machine tool manufacturer WFL is leveraging its extensive experience to offer advanced software solutions designed for its Millturn complete machining center. The company’s technology cycles cover a wide range of standard and specialized machining applications, enabling efficient programming directly on the machine control or a PC.

Audi Sport optimized production for the Audi E-Tron GT using 3D printing and design automation. They quickly designed 200 custom tools, jigs, and fixtures with Fixturemate software, drastically reducing design time. Using Ultimaker 3D printers and materials like Tough PLA and TPU, they cut costs by over 80 percent and produced tools in just one day.

3D printing company Massivit signed 15 new purchase orders for the sale of Massivit 3000 printers valued at 3 million dollars. The company’s printers will be provided by the end of 2024. All new orders were received during the largest international printing exhibition, Drupa, which was held in Germany on May 28 to June 7.

Scanlab's updated 'Scancalc' app now includes 3D system calculations, simplifying focus diameter, spot size, and Rayleigh length assessments. The free app, available on iOS and Android, helps users choose the best scan system based on laser power, dynamics, and precision.