Drupa 2016 Explores 3D Printing

Drupa 2016 has revealed plans for 3D fab+print, a segment of the mega-show solely dedicated to 3D printing. The German Engineering Federation’s (VDMA) Additive Manufacturing workgroup will sponsor a series of presentations; exhibitors will include HP, Leapfrog, Mimaki, Roland, Ricoh, Xerox, Stratasys, and Massivit 3D Printing.

“The potential of 3D printing in many vertical markets shouldn’t be underestimated,” says Sabine Geldermann, drupa director. “In particular, spare parts for mechanical engineering or packaging design offer huge opportunities for machinery manufacturers, users, and also print providers.”

Rainer Gebhardt, project manager of the VDMA’s Additive Manufacturing workgroup, calls 3D printing “the key to highly flexible production.” He continues, “3D printing is also ideal for producing small batches of tools for finishing, for example.”

Drupa, taking place May 31 to June 10, 2016, at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany, will offer . The show’s parent agency, Messe Düsseldorf, announced earlier this year that .