In just a few days, the 21st edition of rapid.tech 3D will open its doors. From May 13 to 15, 2025, 71 exhibitors, 73 conference speakers, and 25 experts at the Exhibitor Forum will present the latest developments and applications in Additive Manufacturing (AM). In addition to Germany, companies from Belgium, China, France, Italy, Switzerland, and the USA will be represented at Germany’s oldest dedicated AM trade event. The conference features renowned experts from across Europe and beyond – including Denmark, the UK, the Netherlands, Poland, Turkey, and Switzerland – showcasing innovations for today and tomorrow.
Under the motto "Innovative and Profitable – The Future of Additive Manufacturing," participants will explore the diverse AM landscape through specialist presentations, exhibition booths, the 10th anniversary of the 3D Pioneers Challenge, Technical Deep Dives, Expert Tables, and the AM Science Poster Session. The importance of additive manufacturing is also emphasized in the coalition agreement of Germany's current federal government, recognizing AM as a key technology to be actively supported.
Visitors can experience the full scope of AM – from design and material selection to advanced post-processing. Innovations on display range from dry ice-based support removal to 3D printing with lunar dust for future moon bases.
Conference Highlights: Keynotes and New Industry Trends
Conference Board Chairs Michael Eichmann (Stratasys) and Prof. Dr. Christian Seidel (Munich University of Applied Sciences) highlight these top features:
• Keynotes from MTU Aero Engines, BWT Alpine Formula One Team, Roland Berger, and Turkish Aerospace
• 8 dedicated industry forums
• New focus areas: Military, Energy, Hydrogen, and Electronics
• In-depth sessions on Aerospace, Mobility, Medical Tech, Software, AI, and Design
• Supported by partners VDMA Additive Manufacturing and DECHEMA
Closer Integration of Conference and Exhibition
Prof. Seidel emphasizes a tighter connection between the exhibition and conference:
• Technical Deep Dives held directly at exhibitor booths (10-minute sessions)
• Expert Tables enable focused roundtable discussions
• AM Science Poster Slam bridges the gap between applied research and industrial practice
Additional offerings include panel discussions on AM internationalization and profitability, and the Exhibitor Forum, where suppliers present practical solutions covering the entire AM value chain.
3D Pioneers Challenge Crowns the “Pioneer of the Decade”
The 3D Pioneers Challenge (3DPC) celebrates its 10th anniversary in Erfurt:
• All past winners and finalists were invited to compete
• 33 entries selected for the 2025 finals
• Featured projects include: 3D-printed stem cell heart, 3D printing in microgravity, and music transformed into 3D art
A Must-Attend Event – Especially in Challenging Times
Michael Kynast, CEO of Messe Erfurt, says:
“Despite the current economic challenges, our expert advisory board, partner organizations, and organizing team have crafted a strong, application-driven program that’s ideal for both newcomers and AM professionals.”
Parallel Event: Quantum Photonics
Running alongside rapid.tech 3D on May 13–14, 2025, the new Quantum Photonics platform focuses on quantum technology applications in computing, communication, sensing, medicine, mobility, and finance.
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