purmundus challenge looks at additive innovation

This year’s finalists show the enormous potential of additive manufacturing. 3D and 4D printing are more than ever and increasingly around the world a core manufacturing process paving the way for end-to-end digital and consistent process chains in various different markets. In particular, scaling is emerging as a new trend. The 2021 purmundus challenge, which is being held from 16 to 19 November 2021 at Formnext, shines a spotlight on forward-looking end-to-end solutions from 12 countries on 5 continents under the motto “Innovation in progress”.

The finalists in this year’s purmundus challenge show a hybrid production functionality as well as a guiding idea for the additive manufacturing and production of tomorrow: as a development accelerator, as an impulse generator, as an enabler, as a solution for mass customisation or service on demand.

The special exhibition will focus on innovative, forward-looking concepts in the fields of medicine, biotechnology, 4D printing, VR, robotics, e-mobility, powertrain technology, mechanical and plant engineering. In addition to a concrete shading of buildings, a lift, a juice squeezer made from lemon peel, a kinematic chair and prostheses for dogs, the finalists include products from the sports fields of ballet, golf, climbing and artistry. Design products from the music and leisure sectors are also in the running. A smart gear, a newly developed material switching unit for FDM, potential applications for scaling processes and agile systems, and a vision for managing AM part production on a global scale are also being presented.

The design competition for 3D and 4D printing is being supported by major, internationally renowned players in the 3D printing sector. The panel will present the winners of the purmundus challenge with their awards on 18 November 2021. The panel is judging the benefits in terms of use, economy and aesthetics as well as the design itself and the innovation. The awards are worth a total of 30,000 euros.

This is the ninth time that the 3D and 4D printing award for the purmundus challenge has been presented. A total of 35 finalists now stand a chance of winning the prestigious purmundus challenge trophy. The live-broadcast award ceremony will take place in Frankfurt. In addition to the first three places, the purmundus challenge will also feature awards in the categories of “Special Mention” and “Simulation-Driven Design”, as well as an “Innovation Prize” and a “Newcomer Prize”. A “public choice award” completes the purmundus challenge.

More information at www.purmundus-challenge.com