Despite global economic challenges, Formnext 2024 once again showed that it is the number one annual event to attend when it comes to additive manufacturing (AM). With 864 exhibitors—61% of them international—and 34,404 visitors from around the world, the 9th edition of Formnext demonstrated the growing importance of AM across industries. From aerospace and automotive to medical technology, packaging, and architecture, the broad range of 3D printing was showcased across an impressive 54,000 sqm.
Featuring launches of new products and innovations along the entire 3D Printing process, this years’ Formnext 2024 highlighted advancements in productivity, automation, and application-specific 3D Print solutions. Like in previous years sustainability remained a central theme as well, with exhibitors showcasing eco-friendly materials, recycling solutions, and even printed exhibition stands. For anyone looking to optimize and future-proof their manufacturing processes, Formnext 2024 delivered great solutions and inspiration.
For us at Addinor, Formnext is always a great opportunity to meet with our customers, see the latest trends and have interesting discussion about anything 3D Printing, and to connect with our partners—HP 3D Printing, Formlabs, Markforged, 3D Systems, and Dyemansion. From the new generation of SLA printers to sustainable materials, here’s everything that caught our attention and how these new develpments can benefit you and your business.
“Formnext is a fantastic chance to meet our customers in person, talk about their real-life challenges, and explore how we can solve them together. It’s these conversations and the collaboration with our partners that drive meaningful innovation and stronger relationships.”
Gøran Jenssen, Vice President of Addinor
HP 3D Printing: Leading the Way in Scalable 3D Printing
HP continues to set the standard for cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable 3D printing solutions, and their booth at Formnext 2024 proved it.
Halogen-Free Flame-Retardant Polymer Material
HP launched their new material designed for industries like automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. This halogen-free flame-retardant polymer offers safer and more environmentally friendly manufacturing options without sacrificing performance. The material is 50% reusable, offering a substantial cost advantage through its high reusability ratio.
Its ability to support the economical production of premium-quality parts with smooth surface aesthetics presents a breakthrough opportunity to fulfill production needs. HP’s PA12 is produced using renewable energy, which reflects HP’s commitment to sustainability, delivering economic, environmental, and responsible manufacturing benefits. The new material will be available in early 2025.
HP 3D Build Optimizer
Managing print quality and efficiency just got easier with HP’s 3D Build Optimizer, an automated tool designed to re-nest parts, reduce build costs and maintain part quality. Scheduled for launch in 2025, this new software tool will bring greater efficiency to every project and help reduce the overall cost per part.
Software Innovations
HP also introduced new partnerships with Autodesk, Materialise, and Fabrex, bringing software integrations that streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and cut costs.
A single, year license of Autodesk Fusion will be included with every new purchase of a HP MJF printer.
Formlabs: Speed, Scale, and Reliability
Formlabs displayed their news products and materials launched just a month prior in October. One of these is the new Form 4L, a large SLA 3D printer designed for businesses that require high-speed capabilities for prototyping large parts and low-volume production.
Unmatched Print Speed and Reliability
The Form 4L leverages Low Force Display (LFD) technology to reach speeds of up to 80 mm/hour. Even with this speed, it has an impressive ±0.15% XY dimensional tolerances so assemblies always fit.
Expanded Build Volume
The Form 4L boasts nearly 5x the build volume compared to the Form 4. This is ideal for large-scale projects or batch production, making it a go-to option for industries like automotive, healthcare, and industrial design.
Innovative New Materials
Formlabs also launched two new powders for the Fuse 1+. The new Nylon 12 White is a biocompatible and high-contrast material, that is perfect for precision applications within the medical field or consumer goods that need coloring.
The Nylon 12 Tough Powder has a high ductility and minimal warpage, it’s ideal for durable, load-bearing parts used for tooling or sturdy end-user parts.
Interested in Formlabs’ new materials? Get your free sample part here.
Markforged: Composite Printing Redefined
Markforged got the attention of Formnext visitors with their upgraded FX10, a groundbreaking printer that combines metal and composite printing in one.
The FX10 Advantage
This printer enables the production of both strong metal parts and lightweight composites, offering unmatched flexibility for industries like aerospace, robotics, and defense.
The Digital Forge
Markforged’s Digital Forge ecosystem allows users to print remotely, manage distributed manufacturing, and produce high-strength parts anywhere in the world. This is perfect for organizations with global operations or remote production facilities.
Markforged is raising the level for agile manufacturing, offering solutions that reduce lead times and simplify production workflows.
3D Systems: Precision Printing for Scaled Production
3D Systems presented their new PSLA 270 stereolithography printer and a range of post-processing tools designed for seamless workflows.
The brand new PSLA 270
A high-speed, projector-based SLA 3D printing solution, this versatile printer delivers mid-size, high-quality parts with exceptional accuracy, stability, and speed. 3D Systems showcased some of their impressive materials that can be used for different application during the exhibition.
Post-Processing Tools
Complementing the PSLA 270 are the Wash 400/Wash 400F and Cure 400 solutions, which automate cleaning, curing, and drying. These post processing tools ensure consistent results and save valuable time for manufacturers scaling up production.
Would you like to know more? Get in touch with our sales team.
Dyemansion: Post-Processing That Delivers
Post-processing is critical to achieve a great final product, and Dyemansion’s latest innovations ensure top performance and quality. With the motto “It Just WorX,” they’ve enhanced their market-leading solutions to boost flexibility and ROI for AM users, catering to both entry-level and advanced needs while prioritizing efficiency and sustainability.
Unmatched Post-Processing Flexibility : The New Powershot X
The all-new Powershot X builds on the success of the globally popular Powershot series, representing a new generation in automated blasting for 3D printing post-processing. Offering three adaptable modes—PolyShot Cleaning (C), Surfacing (S), and a combined Cleaning & Surfacing (C&S)—it provides maximum flexibility for any Print-to-Product workflow.
Its easy mode-switching supports scalability for growing production environments, while its low investment cost and reduced operational expenses ensure a quick ROI, making it a powerful, future-proof solution for automated part cleaning and finishing.
New-Generation Automotive ColorsX Range
DyeMansion’s Automotive ColorsX range is tailor-made to meet the high demands of the automotive industry, offering exceptional durability and customization. An enhanced UV and heat resistance, ensuring long-lasting color stability and enabling parts to be used directly in car interiors, reducing costs and unlocking new possibilities.
With up to 4x higher grey scale values (D47 1431 standard), Automotive ColorsX is ideal for high-performance environments. Additionally, manufacturers can work with DyeMansion to create custom colors, aligning aesthetics and functionality with their specific needs.
Get in touch with us
Based in the Nordics, Addinor has a decade of experience within additive manufacturing and we want to help you getting started with 3D Printing. If you need hands-on guidance or best practice sharing in 3D printing for supply chains, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Addinor team.
We are here to guide you every step of your 3D print journey.
