Bayern Innovativ: Progress and visions in additive manufacturing

27.11.2024

The latest developments and future visions in the field of additive manufacturing were presented at a recent event at Landshut University of Applied Sciences. We are delighted to have taken part in the 11th 3D Printing Practice Forum "Future of Additive Manufacturing" again this year.

Program highlights:

• Visions of the future 2040: Thomas Eder from Bayern Innovativ presented exciting insights into life and business with 3D printing in the year 2040.
• Project presentation ReBi: Prof. Dr. Norbert Babel presented the project "Component innovations through additive manufacturing processes in the Bavarian and Austrian border region ReBi".
• Optimization of heat treatment: Valerie Sue Goettgens from the University of Innsbruck explained the optimization of heat treatment for additively manufactured Ti-6242.
• Lightweight construction with steel: Sara Halilovic from the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria presented progress and applications in the field of lightweight construction with steel in additive manufacturing technology.

During the event, it became clear that in addition to technological advances, social framework conditions are also crucial in order to exploit the full potential of 3D printing. Prof. Dr. Markus Jautze emphasized that additive manufacturing has developed enormously over the last ten years and has become indispensable as a manufacturing technology. The exchange between companies and research is essential in order to further advance this technology and develop new ideas.

New dimensions in printing

Prof. Dr. Babel emphasized that additive manufacturing has opened up new dimensions in the design and manufacture of components. Although the basic technology of layer-by-layer construction has existed for around 50 years, there are now discussions about 4D, 5D and even 6D printing. In 4D printing, 3D-printed objects change their structure when energy, such as temperature or light, is applied. Examples of this are pipes that change shape depending on the amount of water and temperature, or functional clothing that adapts to the ambient temperature. 5D printing adds additional rotation and swivel movements, while 6D printing is a combination of 4D and 5D printing.

Future scenarios for additive manufacturing

Thomas Eder presented a research study by Bayern Innovativ that examined various future scenarios for additive manufacturing in 2040. Positive developments can be expected if digitalization and sustainability remain key trends. 3D printing could play a significant role in spare parts and consumer goods, while synergies with artificial intelligence and quantum computing open up new possibilities. However, if conventional production prevails in the long term, 3D printing could remain a niche technology.

Lightweight construction and lattice structures

Sara Halilovic explained how the use of lattice structures can reduce the mass of components while maintaining the same mechanical properties. Thinner wall thicknesses lead to a reduction in weight, with energy density playing a decisive role in laser melting. Future challenges lie in the optimization of heat treatment and automated quality assurance during the printing process.

Networked factory and new technologies

Max Kimpel from Alphacam GmbH sees the future in the networked factory and scalable volume production. New software solutions enable more efficient calculation and management of print jobs. Evolve Step technology offers a high level of detail and smoother surfaces thanks to smaller particle sizes and layer thicknesses, making it a serious competitor to injection molding.

Increasing efficiency in additive manufacturing

Dr. Theresa Hanemann from EOS GmbH showed how modern system technology can increase the efficiency and suitability for series production of additive manufacturing. Larger installation spaces, optimized support structures and the use of multiple lasers have significantly reduced production costs and times. EOS also offers various tools to support and optimize the printing process.

The event at Bayern Innovativ provided valuable insights into the future of additive manufacturing and showed how important the exchange between research and industry is for the further development of this technology.