Rapid.Tech 3D is being held in Erfurt for the 20th time. For its anniversary edition from May 14 to 16, 2024, the renowned AM trade event will create an even closer link between the trade congress, trade exhibition and networking formats.
Focus on new target markets for AM
“Our aim is to continuously increase the attractiveness of Rapid.Tech 3D and to specifically promote the constructive exchange between the players. In addition to established AM user industries such as aerospace and automotive, we are targeting markets that have hardly been the focus of additive manufacturing to date, such as the chemical industry and mechanical engineering. Thanks to our cooperation with DECHEMA and VDMA, the strong associations behind these industries, we have been able to organize interesting specialist forums and attract renowned speakers,” says Michael Eichmann, Director Business Development EMEA at Stratasys and Chairman of the Rapid.Tech 3D Advisory Board.
The quality and quantity of the research contributions has also increased further, as Prof. Dr. Christian Seidel, Chair of Manufacturing Technology and Additive Manufacturing Processes at Munich University of Applied Sciences and also Chairman of the Advisory Board, emphasizes: “We have recorded the highest number of scientific contributions to date in the 20-year history of Rapid.Tech 3D. They are also characterized by a further increase in quality. The new publication partners Springer Nature and RTe Journal have contributed to this. In general, we have attached great importance to creating a harmonious triad of congress, exhibition and networking, structuring the program more clearly and bringing congress participants, exhibitors and visitors together even better.”
Delve deeper into current AM topics with new formats
Examples of this are the new Technical Deep Dives, Table Top Exhibition and AM Science Corner. AM innovations from industry and research are the focus of the Technical Deep Dives. Here, visitors will have the opportunity to delve deeper into specific AM topics. Ten selected exhibitors will present their innovative developments and use cases directly at the exhibition stands during the last hour of the first and last day of the event. Visitors can find out more on the Rapid.Tech 3D website and put together their own individual tour.
The AM Science Corner in the exhibition hall expands the science forum. In this poster session, the scientific contributions that could not be included in the forum due to the limited number of slots will be presented. As part of the exhibitor party on the evening of May 14, trade visitors will have the opportunity to discuss current research topics in the field of additive manufacturing.
The table top exhibition not only connects the congress with the exhibition in terms of space, but also in terms of content. On the route between the Congress Center and the hall, companies will showcase exhibits and services in 3D, which will be presented in 2D during the keynotes and specialist forums.
Top-class keynotes and innovative forums at the Rapid.Tech 3D specialist congress
In addition to the top-class keynotes from ASML, Wohlers Associates, InnoSyn and BMW, innovative AM developments are on the agenda in eight industry and science forums at the Rapid.Tech 3D specialist congress. On the first day of the event (14 May 2024), the AM4industry format organized by the VDMA Additive Manufacturing Working Group will be held for the first time, as well as the established Aerospace Forum. The AM Science Forum will also start on this day and continue on the second day (May 15, 2024). The Chemistry & Process Engineering, Software, AI & Design and Innovations in AM forums will also take place on the second day. On the final day (May 16, 2024), the second part of the Innovations in AM forum will take place, and the Mobility and AM Science by Fraunhofer forums will once again provide highlights.
Space for dialog, expanding knowledge and establishing contacts
Dialogue will be given even more space in all areas of the program. For example, AM pioneer Dr. Brent Stucker from Wohlers Associates will not give his keynote speech on May 15 as a traditional lecture, but will talk to Prof. Seidel about previous AM challenges and the importance of this key technology as a trailblazer for the future. AM as a driver of innovation and growth in Germany and Europe will be the focus of a panel discussion on the afternoon of the first day of the event. Dr. Bernhard Langefeld from Roland Berger will moderate the discussion with experts from industry, research and representatives of start-ups. The Chemistry & Process Engineering Forum presented by DECHEMA on May 15 will conclude with a panel discussion on the contribution of additive manufacturing to CO2 neutrality in the process industry. The Mobility Forum on May 16 will also end with a discussion. The focus here will be on spare parts production at the touch of a button.
In addition, the 3D Printing Conference, which takes place directly in the exhibition hall on all days, and the 3D Pioneers Challenge, which is also located there, offer opportunities for dialog, expanding knowledge and establishing contacts. The final of this international competition for innovative design and advanced technologies will take place at Rapid.Tech 3D for the ninth time. The winners in a total of eleven categories will be honored at the gala evening on May 15, which will be held in the historic Kaisersaal in Erfurt’s old town and will be dedicated to the 20th anniversary.
Pushing AM further, “because we can and because we need it”
“The development of Rapid.Tech 3D illustrates the general progress of additive manufacturing. Twenty years ago, we talked about rapid prototyping and showed the machines available for this. Today, we are talking about the entire process of additive manufacturing, from research and development, materials, processes, systems and software through to quality assurance, standardization and training. Rapid.Tech 3D covers these topics and uses applications for different sectors to demonstrate the advance of AM as a key industrial technology. The fact that the event has been around for 20 years speaks for its importance,” emphasizes Michael Eichmann, who has supported the AM event from the very beginning.
“We want to build on the excellent reputation that Rapid.Tech 3D enjoys in the AM world with this anniversary event. If the players and visitors return to their day-to-day work with new inspiration and a drive for implementation, then we will have achieved a great deal. We want to continue to push AM forward together because we can and because we need to in order to survive as Germany and Europe in international competition,” says Prof. Dr. Christian Seidel, underlining the mission of the Rapid.Tech 3D makers.
The ground has been prepared for an attractive anniversary event
“Thanks to the new partnerships with the VDMA Additive Manufacturing Working Group, with DECHEMA, with the Springer Nature and RTe Journal publications and thanks to the excellent work of our advisory board and the activities of the entire organization team, the ground has been prepared for an attractive anniversary event. We were also able to further increase the international focus, as shown by the participation of speakers and exhibitors from Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands and the USA, among others,” says Michael Kynast, Managing Director of Messe Erfurt GmbH, referring to other key aspects of Rapid.Tech 3D.
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