AM systems, materials and software: the latest innovations and product unveilings set for Formnext 2024

Text and Pictures: Thomas Masuch, 5 November 2024

In the days leading up to this year’s trade fair, we have received further news about new products that will be on display. They include exciting innovations in the field of AM systems that promise greater efficiency or involve the use of special high-performance plastics. Along with a very prominent consortium, there will also be various software innovations that aim to improve the efficiency of AM processes. Last but not least, Formnext is known for featuring exciting product unveilings right on the trade fair floor, which exhibitors keep secret until the very last second. Among others, CEAD – a manufacturer of large-format AM solutions – has promised the premiere of a “groundbreaking new solution” (19 November, 11:30 a.m.), and DWS has announced its own big reveal (21 November, 10:30 a.m.) for Formnext 2024

Leitet die neue AM Academy GmbH: Benjamin Haller. Bild: Ampower — Image: CEAD

Intamsys achieves up to 500 mm/s

The latest product from Intamsys, the Funmat Pro 310 Neo, offers speeds of up to 500 mm/s and can produce up to 1,000 g per day. With a thermal chamber that can be heated up to 100℃, the Chinese company promises exceptional print quality with a wide range of technical materials without the need to change nozzles.

Lynxter: fast new printer for high-performance plastics

Building on its experience in silicone printing, the French company Lynxter will present its new machine: the S300X - FIL11, a high-speed industrial 3D printer equipped with two independent printheads. This facilitates fast printhead changes and enables the unit to process a wide range of high-performance thermoplastics.

Materialise launching the Leading Minds consortium

In presenting a new consortium of AM industry leaders at Formnext, Materialise aims to address the industry's most pressing challenges and facilitate the adoption and scaling of 3D printing technology for industrial applications. The Leading Minds consortium includes Asys, EOS, HP, Materialise, Nikon SLM, Renishaw, Stratasys, and Trumpf.

New ESD material from Fiberthree

After three years of development and over 34 different formulations, Fiberthree is set to present its new electrostatic discharge (ESD) material, F3 PA, at Formnext 2024. Based on a PA-CF, it features strong mechanical properties and a surface resistance of 105 to 107 Ω/cm. This meets the requirements of DIN EN 61340-5. The surface resistance is achieved on both the horizontal and vertical planes, and the material’s tensile strength over X/Y is 84 MPa with a modulus of elasticity of 8 GPa.

Stratasys improving the management of AM processes

Stratasys Ltd. will present the new GrabCAD IoT platform, which is designed to improve the management of 3D printing processes. The platform is now available to Stratasys customers who use the software GrabCAD Streamline Pro or PolyJet J3/J5 Series printers, as well as through Stratasys customer service. In the future, the solution will also be made available for other technologies.

Nano Dimension: software update ensures greater efficiency

At Formnext, Nano Dimension will be presenting the new version of its Fabrica software, which was specially developed for Nano Dimension's micro 3D printers. According to the company, optimized parameters in version 3.2.0 ensure up to 70 percent faster printing times in research and development projects, as well as in prototyping. Existing customers will receive the update free of charge.

Roboze: new slicing software

Roboze is officially presenting its new slicing software, SlizeR, at Formnext. With it, the company promises better automation, reduced conversion times, and higher-quality printed components. Among other things, the software enables faster transitions from 3D designs to R-code (G-code) and improved consistency in serial printing.