Switching between fine-detail printing and high material throughput, a variable nozzle enables Herrmann Additive to produce large plastic components directly from pellets. Its VFGF process offers an alternative to tooling-based production, with applications ranging from lightweight automotive fixtures to a 205 kg pipe elbow.

Industrial 3D metrology will take centre stage in London from 8 to 10 September 2026, when the 3D Metrology Conference returns for its 11th edition. The event will bring together experts from industry and academia to discuss AI-supported algorithms, robotics, automation, additive manufacturing and data-driven metrology infrastructures.

With 25 µm optical resolution and layer thicknesses of 10–100 µm, BMF’s Microarch S150 brings projection micro stereolithography to a compact desktop platform. The system supports high-viscosity materials and uses automated calibration for applications including microfluidics, biomedical devices and electronics.

German manufacturers will have broader access to ceramic and metal additive manufacturing through a new collaboration between XJet and 3D-Werk Black Forest.

LK Metrology has introduced a new range of Ethernet-ready laser scanners for co-ordinate measuring machines. The sensors are designed to accelerate automated dimensional inspection and 3D surface digitisation.

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon have created a water-based, room-temperature 3D printing ink made mostly from upcycled lignin that needs no heat curing. Printed parts can be recycled simply by adding water, enabling repeated reuse and a potential step toward circular additive manufacturing.

Hiroshima University researchers are working on 3D printing tungsten carbide–cobalt (WC–Co), a super-hard material used in cutting and construction tools. Their hot-wire laser approach uses less of the expensive raw material and still delivers very high hardness, pointing to a more efficient way to make wear-resistant parts.

High-capacity production of three-dimensional fiber packaging is moving further into the industrial mainstream as Valmet launches its 3D Fiber technology for lightweight, rigid and fiber-based alternatives to plastic packaging.

Materials took centre stage at the first 3D Plast Lab during Plast 2026, where researchers, companies and designers explored how additive manufacturing is moving beyond shape alone. The projects ranged from plant-based composites and transparent wood to recycled automotive plastics, bioactive wearables and ultra-thin printed devices..

Complex prototypes and small batches are driving demand for more flexible machining at Ogle Models and Prototypes. Its first 5-axis machining centre enables production with fewer setups, while an expanded toolchanger supports longer periods of unattended operation.