Rapid.Tech 3D introduces Excellence Award for additive best practice

The trade fair and conference Rapid.Tech 3D is expanding its profile with an Excellence Award, to be presented for the first time on May 6, 2026, in Erfurt as part of the evening gala. The prize is intended to honor projects and products that demonstrably prove the benefits of additive manufacturing—whether through higher performance, economic impact, or AM-optimized design. The patron is Thuringia’s Minister President Prof. Dr. Mario Voigt.

The award reflects the role of Rapid.Tech 3D as a transfer platform between research, development, and industrial practice. Eligible to participate are companies and collaborations from the DACH region that have submitted field-proven AM solutions. What is sought are demonstrable improvements that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with conventional methods. Submission is free of charge until December 31, 2025 via an online form; the basis is acceptance of a code of conduct that establishes fairness, transparency, and quality criteria in the process.

In terms of content, the competition covers three focus areas: applications that make components lighter, stiffer, or more functionally efficient; solutions that reduce process costs and resource consumption; and design approaches that integrate functions and rethink products for AM. In doing so, the award addresses typical value drivers of 3D printing in sectors such as mechanical engineering, medical technology, mobility, and consumer goods.

The selection process has multiple stages. A specialist jury from the Rapid.Tech 3D advisory board will nominate up to nine projects. Starting February 15, 2026, a public online vote will follow before the three final teams pitch their results live; the audience vote will be factored into the decision. In addition to the trophy, the package includes visibility at Rapid.Tech 3D 2026 as well as accompanying marketing and networking measures. With the award, the event aims to make excellent AM applications identifiable and accelerate their transfer to series production—from robust material–process combinations to scalable business models.