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Text: Thomas Masuch
AM-Systems: JSI - Bringing magnetic field control to 3D printing
The Jožef Stefan Institute will showcase iRaptor, an omnidirectional magnetic field-controlled 3D printing platform. The system combines pellet-based material extrusion with a ring of electromagnets surrounding the printhead and integrated Hall-probe sensors positioned close to the nozzle. iRaptor is designed to make the applied field a controllable and observable part of the printing process, enabling systematic studies of local particle alignment and spatially programmed magnetic behaviour, as well as the production of components with tailored magnetic properties. Unlike conventional filament-fed systems, iRaptor operates with pellets and granules. Its prototype magnetisable pellet extruder is designed for processing temperatures of up to 300 °C, while the heated build platform can reach 100 °C within a build volume of 100 × 100 × 100 mm. Potential applications include polymer-bonded magnets with tailored magnetisation patterns, electric motor components, sensors, actuators and other functional structures requiring controlled magnetic behaviour.
Jožef Stefan Institute at Formnext 2026: Hall 11.0, Booth B75
3D Ceram Sinto: Lowering the barrier to ceramic manufacturing
3DCeram Sinto will showcase a new industrial ceramic 3D printer designed to provide a more accessible route into professional ceramic additive manufacturing. The company will also demonstrate its M.A.T. hybrid printer live. This printer combines ceramic material extrusion with machining and will be presented alongside a new software solution that integrates slicing and CNC machining.
3DCeram Sinto at Formnext 2026: Hall 11.0, Booth B32
Reinforce3D: CFIP technology at a new scale
Spanish start-up Reinforce3D is promising the next major milestone in the development of its Continuous Fibre Injection Process (CFIP) at Formnext. “What we are bringing to Frankfurt this year is the answer to the next question: How can we make this technology available at the scale the industry actually needs?” says Blanca Garro, CEO of Reinforce3D.
Reinforce3D at Formnext 2026: Hall 12.0, Booth A121
Ancillary process systems: Makera - A compact desktop CNC machine
Chinese company Makera will unveil its new flagship product at Formnext. The new desktop CNC machine runs on Makera Studio, an application combining CAM toolpath generation and machine control, eliminating the need to switch between separate software packages. Makerables, a growing community of ready-to-machine projects, shortens the path from design to finished part.
Makera at Formnext 2026: Hall 12.0, Booth B01
Quality management and metrology: Sympatec - Enhanced data for particle size and shape analysis
With Qicpic/s, Sympatec presents the latest generation of its modular system for dynamic image analysis. The extensively upgraded sensor platform combines high-resolution camera technology with higher frame rates, a larger field of view and optimised optical imaging. According to Sympatec, these enhancements expand the possibilities for the rapid and detailed characterisation of particle size and shape in powders, granules, fibres and other materials. At the heart of the new generation is a camera system offering a resolution of up to 20 megapixels. The increased resolution enables more detailed capture of particle contours, providing a stronger data foundation for particle size and shape analysis. In addition to the higher resolution, image acquisition speed has also been significantly increased. At the full 20-megapixel sensor resolution, Qicpic/s achieves frame rates of up to 80 frames per second. Depending on the acquisition mode, frame rates of up to 950 frames per second are possible at reduced resolution.
Sympatec at Formnext 2026: Hall 12.0, Booth B41
Services: Antonius Köster - Software, scanners and training
At Formnext 2026, Antonius Köster GmbH & Co. KG will showcase new solutions for image data processing, haptic 3D modelling and 3D scanning while also presenting its expanded training programme for selecting and implementing digital workflows. MySegmenter Research v26 complements the portfolio for non-clinical research and education. This independently versioned and clearly labelled Research Edition processes CT and MRI data for applications such as anatomical training, demonstration models, historical imaging datasets unrelated to current treatment, research projects and veterinary medicine. In addition to Touch and Touch X devices from 3D Systems, Antonius Köster will be showcasing Haply’s haptic input devices, MinVerse and Inverse3, for the first time at Formnext. Visitors will be able to compare the devices and their operating concepts directly. Another addition to the scanner portfolio is the EinScan Trak from Shining 3D. Since 2026, the company has also offered open group training courses at its headquarters in Meschede. These courses cover digital manufacturing in orthopaedic technology as well as 3D scanning and reverse engineering, spanning the entire workflow from the physical component to the production-ready CAD model.
Antonius Köster at Formnext 2026: Hall 12.0, Booth F09
Image: Antonius Köster GmbH & Co. KG
