For years, additive manufacturing has drawn the crowds at HANNOVER MESSE. In 2018, the exhibition area can be found in the southern part of Hall 6 along with topics such as CAD and PLM. Well-known names in this year’s list of exhibitors include EOS, ARBURG, 3D Systems, HP Printing, Protiq, and alphacam.

2018 has marked growing interest in this exhibition area of HANNOVER MESSE, which has been a part of Digital Factory for several years. For Dr. Adrian Keppler, CEO of EOS GmbH, this is a logical development. "We see industrial 3D printing as a key element in the factory of the future. The advantages of our technology such as design freedom, integration of functions, and rapid manufacturing ramp-ups are important drivers for new products, business models, and supply chain concepts."

This deals with integrating conventional and additive manufacturing in digital factories. "As a technology leader, we are currently working on hard- and software solutions for the demands placed on the future world of manufacturing. We create the relevant interfaces such as EOSCONNECT for the flow of components and data and with our consulting division Additive Minds we have the expertise to support our customers in setting up digital manufacturing," says Keppler.

The exhibition area is supplemented by the 4th Additive Manufacturing Symposium for users and providers of the technology. In 2018, this meeting place for the industry will not only be held for the first time on Tuesday during the trade show week but also in a new, larger location: The Technology Academy in Pavilion 36 on the open-air exhibition ground between Halls 16 and 26. As a part of Digital Factory, the symposium focuses on manufacturing companies. Under the motto “Mechanical Engineering as a User of Additive Manufacturing” practical applications predominate.

"The focus of these exciting presentations from the industry sector is the variety of the new manufacturing process and their relationship to mechanical engineering," explains Rainer Gebhardt, Project Manager for the Additive Manufacturing working group with VDMA, which organized the symposium.

At the symposium, notable plant engineers such as Trumpf, DMG, and Gefertec demonstrate examples of lightweight construction from powdered metal with complete freedom of design and the economical, tool-free production of metal components through commissioned welding. Siemens throws light on industrial, intelligently integrated manufacturing with AM installations. Arburg, HP, and Stratasys are showcasing the layered manufacturing of sophisticated plastic, created in the desired shapes from powder or original granulates with new processes. Protiq will report on its experience in additive product development, in order to manufacture industrial components using various materials.

Following the presentations, symposium participants will visit the halls of Digital Factory. This Guided Tour will stop at the stands of various exhibitors who will present their solutions for additive manufacturing.