Additive processes are now on the threshold of breaking into mass production within the manufacturing industry. Nevertheless, the use of generative manufacturing processes is still in its infancy in industrial production and many metalworking companies are currently reluctant to invest in plant and systems because they find it difficult to gauge the effects and benefits of these processes. However, there are already many impressive examples of what is currently possible. Numerous products are already being printed, especially in the automotive and aircraft industries, but now also increasingly in medical engineering. Further additive processes will be ready for series production in the coming years. Yet if the full potential of 3D printing is to exploited, it is important to identify new product features and applications that justify the higher costs of additive manufacturing. Visitors will discover completely new ways of thinking and production strategies in the additive manufacturing circle. There they will be presented with an overview of the entire spectrum of generatively manufactured workpieces. Visitors will be able to benefit from the collective expertise of the technology leaders and not just inspect a number of isolated solutions. The exhibitors and experts come from Germany, the USA, Switzerland and Sweden. What they all have in common is their interest in innovative products and services that take the technology one step nearer to mass production in metalworking. They will be providing food for thought and interesting new ideas in the Expert Talks, for example. The presentations and discussions will take place in the Expert Talks Area at the centre of the round community stand. The area has deliberately been kept small in scale to promote communication between the audience and the speakers. There is no stage, the experts will give their 30-minute feasibility study presentations (including cost/benefit comparisons) on a level with the visitors. The aim is to encourage discussion and questions. Four presentations will be given each day, followed by a discussion with the experts. The whole event will be moderated by additive magazine editors from Konradin Verlag. Visitors to the additive manufacturing circle will also have the opportunity to engage in further discussions with the speakers. The proximity to the nine stands of service providers, machine manufacturers, software providers and tool manufacturers for workpiece post-processing will make it easy to obtain advice on very specific issues and to establish the necessary networks.
