rapid.tech 3D Showcases New Applications for AM and Robotics

This year’s specialist forum of the VDMA Additive Manufacturing Working Group at rapid.tech 3D focuses on the connection between additive manufacturing and robotics. Under the title “AM4industry – Using & Enabling Robotics”, industry and research professionals will present current developments and potential applications of these technologies on May 13, 2025. The VDMA is once again acting as the conceptual sponsor of the event in Erfurt.

Additive manufacturing has established itself as a cross-industry production technology and plays a central role in various sectors. Printed tools, for example, optimize the processing of plastics, food, and metal components. The forum will examine how additive manufacturing and robotics interact to enhance production efficiency. It will address both the use of robotics to automate additive manufacturing processes and the application of 3D-printed components in robotics.

“We are demonstrating why and how additive manufacturing and robotics form a perfect pair. On the one hand, our speakers from industry and research will show how robotics contributes to optimizing additive processes. On the other hand, they will illustrate how additive manufacturing improves production workflows—across industries ranging from packaging and food processing to plastics manufacturing and metalworking,” explains Rainer Gebhardt, AM expert at VDMA and responsible for the forum’s content.

A key topic will be the automated removal of support structures after the printing process. Toolcraft will present a solution that eliminates this previously manual and error-prone step. Uwe Schulmeister will explain the technology through a practical case study and highlight future automation potential in AM production. Additionally, Fraunhofer IAPT and Siemens will introduce strategies for industrializing additive manufacturing workflows, including the seamless integration of data streams into existing production lines.

Another major focus is robotic grippers optimized through additive manufacturing. Companies such as Siemens, Schubert Additive Solutions, and ARBURGadditive will demonstrate the use of custom-designed tools for various industries. These solutions not only create lighter and more compact grippers but also improve functionality by integrating additional handling elements.

“We received numerous presentation submissions from companies eager to showcase their applications in this area. The high level of interest highlights the vast potential that can be leveraged across industries,” emphasizes Rainer Gebhardt.

The forum will also provide insights into the use of additively manufactured tools in metal processing. Experts from Lightway, Böllhof, and DMG Mori will illustrate how customized AM solutions enhance efficiency in series production. The adaptability of 3D-printed grippers enables shorter production times and greater process flexibility.

The event will conclude with a plenary discussion, where further applications of AM in robotics will be explored. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the speakers. Additionally, throughout the trade fair, the VDMA booth in Hall 2 will offer visitors a closer look at the showcased solutions. Demonstrators from the presentations will be on display, allowing attendees to discuss their potential with industry experts.