SKZ and Fraunhofer IPA are working on a low-temperature PBF-LB/P process for plastics. The aim of the PimP project is to reduce powder aging, increase the share of material that can be reused, and improve the cost and resource efficiency of the process.
The first edition of 3DPlastLab, an area dedicated to innovation in additive manufacturing within Plast 2026, brought together researchers, designers, universities, start-ups and companies from multiple countries. The presentations focused on materials, their functionality and industrial applications.
HP has unveiled the Multi Jet Fusion 1200, bringing industrial MJF technology to the compact segment at a price below USD 60,000. The system is intended to address prototyping, protection of confidential data and short-run production needs.
igus has introduced the PTFE-free iglidur i190PF filament, offering wear properties comparable to the injection moulding material iglidur W300 and a 100-fold better wear rate than standard PETG in a pin-on-disk test.
On 3–4 June 2026, the NEC Birmingham will host a co-located event combining eight leading UK manufacturing and engineering shows, covering plastics, additive manufacturing, automation and smart factory solutions, among other sectors.
BMT has developed a smart prototyping approach that combines simulations, 3D-printed moulds and lab-scale blow moulding trials to accelerate PET bottle development, reduce design risk and cut tooling costs before metal moulds are produced.
By early March 2026, 527 exhibitors from 34 countries had already registered for Formnext 2026, with 64.5 percent coming from outside Germany. The Frankfurt trade fair remains a key platform for the global 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing market.
At JEC World 2026 in Paris, KraussMaffei will present a wide portfolio of composite and additive solutions, including LFI structural components, high-temperature plastic parts, and the powerPrint Flex and powerPrint Plus systems.
Formnext 2026 has announced the United Kingdom as partner country and introduced a new hall layout and a stronger focus on key user industries including orthopedics, aviation and automotive.
The 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026 conference in Houston will bring together SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE users, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence and virtual environments in design and manufacturing.
Igus has launched the iglidur i4000 resin for manufacturing precise, wear-resistant gears using DLP, SLA and LCD technologies. Compared with standard 3D printing resins, the material offers higher elongation at break and extended service life.
The Formnext 2025 AMbassador Award has been presented to Irena Heuzeroth from the SKZ Plastics Center in Würzburg for the course “Certified Industrial Technician specializing in Additive Manufacturing”, developed with the Würzburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
