Join the Conversation! RAILiability Meets Public Urban Transport!

Posted on December 18, 2024December 20, 2024 by Sophie Poser

Additive Manufacturing is already transforming industries, and now it’s time to explore its potential in reshaping Public Urban Transport. That’s why we’re bringing together public transport companies, suppliers, and industry experts for an important discussion on how AM can be applied to this sector, offering solutions to its unique challenges while unlocking new opportunities for innovation and improvement.

This meeting is your chance to understand how AM is revolutionizing the transportation sector. With leading rail companies like Siemens and Alstom already paving the way, we’ll explore their successes and challenges, offering valuable insights that can be directly applied to urban transport. These lessons will help us unlock more efficient, sustainable solutions, and provide a roadmap for the future.

It’s not just about learning from others – it’s also about addressing the roadblocks we face today. We’ll dive into the technical, legal, and regulatory hurdles involved in implementing AM and discuss practical strategies to overcome them.

This event is designed to foster collaboration. Not just sharing ideas but actively working together to identify best practices and effective strategies for integrating AM into public transport. Whether you’re already exploring AM or just starting, this is your opportunity to connect with others who share the goal of transforming urban transport through innovation.

At Mobility goes Additive, we’ve built strong partnerships with the rail sector through our RAILiability and Approval in Rail Working Groups. We’re now eager to take these lessons and help propel AM into the Public Urban Transport sector, creating real impact and meaningful change.

Event Details
When: March 17, 2025
Where: Estrel Hotel, Berlin (during the AM Forum)

Please note: this meeting is not just for MGA members; it’s open to all public transport companies and suppliers!

Exclusive Offer for MGA Members
MGA members will enjoy discounted tickets for the AM Forum, so if you’re not a member yet, now is the perfect time to join us!

This is a unique chance to be part of a growing conversation that will shape the future of Public Urban Transport. We’re excited to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and those passionate about advancing the sector through AM.

If you want to learn more or get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out to us or contact Dr. Sven Fritzsche directly.

Let’s move Public Urban Transport forward – together!

MGA Medical Materials Working Group Meeting @ Mann+Hummel in Ludwigsburg

Posted on December 16, 2024 by Sophie Poser

We’re excited to invite you to the next Materials Working Group Meeting, an in-person gathering at the Mann+Hummel Technology Center in Ludwigsburg. This is your chance to connect with like-minded professionals, share ideas, and explore the cutting edge of medical materials.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, January 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Mann+Hummel Technology Center, Schwieberdinger Str. 126, 71636 Ludwigsburg

We’re planning a packed day full of engaging discussions and activities designed to inspire and inform. From updates on market trends and material requirements to presentations on member projects, the day promises to be a deep dive into what’s shaping our industry today.

What to Expect:

Kick things off with a warm welcome and updates from the network.
Dive into the latest market trends and hear insights into the evolving needs of medical materials.
Learn from innovative presentations, where members will share their ideas and projects. Topics might include everything from metallic glasses to customized hearing protection—but we’ll keep the final list a surprise for now!
Join the working group dialogue to help chart our projects for 2025.
Take part in the interactive workshop, where we’ll explore what participants need and can offer to each other.
Wrap up the day with a behind-the-scenes tour of Mann+Hummel’s 3D Printing Competence Center, and if you’re up for it, an optional visit to their fascinating Filter Museum.

Why Attend? This isn’t just another meeting. It’s a chance to roll up your sleeves and actively contribute to shaping the future of medical materials. By sharing your insights and hearing from others, we can build stronger connections and spark new collaborations.

RSVP Now
Please let our colleague Sophie Poser know by January 6, 2025, if you’ll be joining us – we want to make sure there’s a seat with your name on it. A detailed agenda will follow closer to the event.

We can’t wait to see you in January in Ludwigsburg. Let’s make 2025 a year of progress and innovation!

EHFAM 2025

Posted on December 12, 2024December 12, 2024 by Sophie Poser

We are excited to announce that EHFAM – the European Healthcare Forum for Additive Manufacturing 2025 – is on its way! As one of the organizing partners, we are incredibly proud to see the second edition of this important event coming together. Once again, we are collaborating with the FHNW School of Life Sciences and University Hospital Basel to create a dedicated space for medical additive manufacturing to shine.

Save the Date
When? June 26-27, 2025
Where? FHNW Campus, Muttenz, Basel

Tickets will be available soon, so stay tuned for more information!

For the latest updates and more details, be sure to visit the event website at ehfam.eu.

What to Expect at EHFAM 2025?
Guided by the theme “Advancing healthcare with additive manufacturing through research, practice, and implementation,” the EHFAM 2025 program is designed to foster deep discussions, meaningful connections, and real-world solutions for the healthcare industry. Here’s a preview of what’s to come:

Keynote Presentations and Panel Discussions
Join thought leaders as they explore the evolving role of additive manufacturing in hospitals, medical devices, and bioprinting. These sessions will provide insight into the most pressing issues facing the healthcare sector and the potential of AM to address them.
Interactive Workshops
These hands-on sessions will offer practical applications of additive manufacturing technologies, showing how they can be integrated into healthcare solutions. They’re designed to bridge the gap between innovation and real-world use.
Pitch Contest
This will be a highlight of the event, showcasing bold, innovative ideas that are shaping the future of healthcare. Participants will have the chance to pitch their concepts to industry leaders and potentially take the next step in turning their ideas into reality.
3D Lab Visit
A unique opportunity to see additive manufacturing in action at the Swiss MAM Research Group at University Hospital Basel. The visit will be paired with an evening networking event, allowing attendees to connect and discuss the day’s insights in a more informal setting.

Building on EHFAM’s Success
EHFAM is more than just a conference; it’s a platform for healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry leaders to engage in dialogue, challenge existing perspectives, and explore the future of additive manufacturing in healthcare. We’re proud to be part of this movement and to continue building on the success of last year’s forum.

Get Involved

We are calling on our members to help us make this event even more impactful. If you’re interested in contributing or have ideas to share, we encourage you to get in touch with Naomi Nathan, who is the main contact for all matters related to EHFAM 2025.
If you’re interested in sponsoring the event or contributing in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us through ehfam.eu/sponsoring.

We’re excited to continue the conversation and to see you in Basel for what promises to be another impactful and inspiring conference!

Reflections from Formnext 2024

Posted on December 11, 2024December 12, 2024 by Sophie Poser

Formnext 2024, where ideas truly take shape, has come to a close, and our team has had the opportunity to reflect on the remarkable experiences and conversations that defined the event. As always, Formnext proved to be a key platform for witnessing the innovative technologies shaping the future of Additive Manufacturing (AM). However, beyond the impressive exhibits, the event also provided us with invaluable insights into the industry’s trajectory and the challenges we must address to keep pushing forward.

As active participants in this evolving landscape, we couldn’t help but recognize the significant strides the AM industry has made. The sense of maturity is evident, but alongside it, many questions about our future direction remain. Here’s a closer look at some of the key takeaways from Formnext 2024:

A Mature Industry with Mixed Progress

This year, we saw substantial consolidation within the industry—a clear sign of maturity. Yet, while we remain optimistic, the progress is still uneven across different sectors. Serial applications are becoming more widespread, and finding your niche within the market is crucial for continued growth. As the industry matures, it’s essential for us to not only celebrate the progress we’ve made but to stay committed to advancing further, addressing gaps and seizing new opportunities for growth.

Spotlight on Medical Applications

It was exciting to see medical applications being showcased more prominently this year. This growing recognition is a testament to the immense potential AM holds in healthcare. However, we observed that while there are plenty of innovations, there’s still a significant gap in practical, solution-driven use cases that go beyond the prototypes. The need for innovative, real-world applications in medical AM is high, and it’s clear that we need to continue pushing for advances that provide tangible benefits to healthcare providers and patients alike.

A Quieter but Focused Formnext

Although the event felt less crowded than previous years, the quality of the conversations was stronger than ever. The shift toward more focused discussions, rather than simply showcasing products, was palpable. There was a noticeable emphasis on collaboration and networking, signaling a positive future for the industry. And of course, our stickers turned out to be a popular hit!

Global Insights

It was inspiring to see the influence of other strong national and regional networks actively advancing their members. We are excited about strengthening our own collaborations across Europe to accelerate the growth of AM technologies. A key highlight was the application-driven innovation coming from Chinese exhibitors, which demonstrates the global scope of the AM industry. Additionally, the presence of delegations from Korea and Australia underscored the international reach and growing interest in AM technologies.

Networking at Side Meet-ups

One of the highlights of our experience was hosting side meet-ups for our Dental and RaiLiability Working Groups. These focused gatherings allowed members to build valuable connections and engage in productive discussions about future projects. It’s clear that, as the industry matures, collaboration will remain a crucial component of driving progress and fostering innovation.

Looking Ahead

Formnext 2024 reinforced the idea that AM is at a pivotal moment in its evolution. While the industry has reached a point of maturity, there is still much work to be done. Exciting developments are on the horizon, especially in the medical sector, where real-world, application-driven solutions will play a key role in unlocking AM’s full potential.

As we look ahead, we are committed to continuing the conversations sparked at Formnext and driving forward the collaborations that will shape the future of Additive Manufacturing. The work done at this year’s event has undoubtedly laid the groundwork for the next phase of growth, and we look forward to the next steps in this journey.

Wanted: Experts for the MGA Medical Strategic Committee!

Posted on November 15, 2024November 15, 2024 by Sophie Poser

We’re looking for dedicated members to join the new MGA Medical Strategic Committee! Together, we’ll shape the next five years of our Medical Division and strengthen our position as leaders in additive manufacturing for healthcare.

What Will You Do?

As a committee member, you’ll:

Help define key goals and create a roadmap for the next five years.
Assess our strengths, identify challenges, and adapt to new trends.
Build collaboration across the healthcare and 3D printing communities.

What’s In It for You?

By joining, you’ll:

Connect with Experts: Work with leaders and innovators in healthcare and AM.
Shape the Future: Play a key role in setting the direction of our network.
Learn and Grow: Stay ahead of industry trends and develop strategic skills.

What Are We Looking For?

We need members who:

Have experience in additive manufacturing, especially in medical applications.
Understand the healthcare sector, from markets and regulations to industry trends.
Bring expertise in areas like R&D, manufacturing, marketing, regulatory affairs, or legal/IP.

We ask for regular participation in meetings and active involvement in shaping our strategy.

Key Dates

January 2025: Kick-off meeting.
Monthly virtual meetings throughout the year.
June 2025: Key meeting at EHFAM2025.
September 2025: Present the results at the MGA Annual Meeting.

If you’re interested, reach out to Sophie Poser by November 30, 2024. We’d love to have you on board!

A Recap of our Annual Meeting and Women in AM Summit 2024

Posted on November 5, 2024November 15, 2024 by Sophie Poser

Another year, another fantastic Annual Meeting! On October 8-9, 2024, we had the pleasure of welcoming our members and partners to our Berlin office for two days filled with innovation, collaboration, and celebration. It was a true reflection of everything we’ve accomplished together over the past year, with everyone leaving inspired, full of fresh insights, lasting memories, and perhaps a few new connections to carry into the coming year.

If you couldn’t join us or want to relive the highlights, here’s a recap of what unfolded:

Women in AM Summit: We kicked things off with an empowering session led by female role models and experts in the field. They shared their stories, wisdom, and, most importantly, loads of inspiration. Attendees also enjoyed coaching sessions that encouraged open dialogue and mentorship, fostering a community that champions female representation in Additive Manufacturing.
Mobility and Medical Division Get-Togethers: Our Working Groups joined forces to tackle ongoing projects and brainstorm future initiatives. These sessions helped participants explore overlapping interests and collaborate on shared goals, demonstrating the power of working together!
General Assembly: As part of our two-day event marathon, we hosted the General Assembly of our network, welcoming members to join us as we do every year. Typically, it’s a time to update the community on the past fiscal year, but every two years, members also shape the future of our network by electing the Executive Board. We are grateful to Nicole Friedrich, who has been re-elected as chairwoman, and Florian M. Thieringer, re-elected as a board member, and to Carmen Schmieder re-elected as treasurer. Thank you for your commitment and dedication! This year, we also said farewell to two long-time supporters and founding board members, who chose to retire and enjoy a well-deserved rest. We extend our heartfelt thanks to:
- Prof. Dr. Ing. Claus Emmelmann, Professor and Director at Institut für Laser- und Anlagensystemtechnik / iLAS
- Johannes Emmelheinz, Former CEO at Siemens Mobility Customer ServicesThank you both for more than eight years of passion and dedication to MGA and the AM industry. Your contributions have been invaluable, and you will be missed.
  We’re also excited to welcome our newly elected Executive Board members:
- Torsten Wehrkamp, Vice President Spare Part Services at Siemens Mobility, now serving as Vice Chairman of the Board after his time on the Advisory Board.
- Welf-Guntram Drossel, Director at Fraunhofer IWU, elected as a Board Member.

3D Evening Event: Guests enjoyed a relaxed evening with great food, drinks, and music. The highlight? An interactive “destruction session” featuring 3D-printed boats made from different materials. Yes, attendees had the chance to smash these boats with hammers—safety glasses included!
Day Two Learning & Exchange: The second day was all about diving into the latest trends and developments in AM. We had presentations, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops covering everything from global advancements to standardized testing procedures for 3D-printed materials.

As we wrap up this year’s meeting, we’re excited about what’s next. Don’t miss our upcoming events: the Dental and RaiLiability Meet Ups at Formnext in Frankfurt (both on November 20—reach out if you’d like to attend!) and the Defense meeting on December 5 at Stratasys Headquarters.

Mark your calendars for next year’s Annual Meeting from September 23-25, 2025!

A huge thank you to our speakers, participants, Working Group leaders, and partners for making this event truly memorable. Your enthusiasm and engagement created the atmosphere that made this year’s meeting another great success. Let’s keep up the momentum as we continue to innovate and collaborate to shape the future of Additive Manufacturing. We look forward to seeing you all soon!

Berlin’s governing mayor Kai Wegner visits our office!

Posted on September 24, 2024September 25, 2024 by Sophie Poser

We were delighted to welcome Kai Wegner (CDU), the governing mayor of Berlin, for a visit to our office. This was a particularly important meeting for us, as the political framework surrounding Additive Manufacturing plays a vital role in its future success. Mr. Wegner was not only engaged and supportive, he also provided valuable assistance by offering to connect us with key contacts. Our team truly felt that he had a natural understanding of the challenges facing AM and showed a genuine eagerness to help us tackle them.

During the meeting, we discussed the challenges that need to be addressed to ensure wider adoption of AM in Germany, including growing international competition, the need for better communication with small and medium-sized enterprises, finding skilled personnel, and overcoming technical and regulatory barriers. However, political support will be essential for accelerating AM’s broader implementation. This support could come in many forms: developing a national and Europe-wide AM strategy, targeted funding programs for rapid economic implementation, and more support for research and development. Most importantly, we also emphasized the need to integrate AM into the curricula of educational institutions to build a skilled workforce for the future.

Throughout the visit, Mr. Wegner was particularly drawn to the many different 3D-printed exhibits we showcased, which spanned various sectors. As a parting gift, we presented him with a 3D-printed metal television tower – Berlin’s iconic symbol. Just like our technology, it represents something digital, that connects people, and helps overcome boundaries.

It’s meetings like these that help raise awareness of AM and attract political advocates who can drive the change we need. With Mr. Wegner’s visit, we’ve gained a strong ally, and we look forward to continuing this promising collaboration to shape the future of AM in Berlin, Germany and beyond.

Impressions of 3dp Basel & EHFAM 2024

Posted on September 13, 2024November 15, 2024 by Sophie Poser

At the 1st European Healthcare Forum for Additive Manufacturing on September 6 – 7, we were thrilled to welcome participants, sponsors, and exhibitors from across Europe to the heart of Basel for a two-day deep dive into the potential of AM in healthcare. Organized by our MGA Medical Division and in collaboration with FHNW School of Life Sciences and University Hospital Basel, the event was packed with presentations, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and plenty of networking opportunities. It was also fantastic to see so many of our members showcasing their innovations and connecting with other key players in the industry.

Day 1 The event kicked off with opening remarks that set the stage for a day full of innovation and collaboration, with a focus on advancing healthcare through AM. Keynotes on bioprinting, medical devices, and point-of-care 3D printing grabbed everyone’s attention, showing how AM is transforming healthcare delivery by making it more sustainable, personalized, and efficient.

One of the highlights was the definitely 3D Printing in Life Sciences Award Basel 2024, which showcased the latest breakthroughs in 3D printing to tackle real-world healthcare challenges.

Evening Event We wrapped up Day 1 at the Odelya Hotel, celebrating MGA Medical’s five-year anniversary. Our Managing Director Stefanie Brickwede, former Division Lead Cora Lüders-Theuerkauf and current Head of Medical Naomi Nathan shared the Medical Division’s journey and vision for the future. We were honored to have Lukas Engelberger, Member of the Government Council of the Canton of Basel-Stadt and President of the Conference of Health Directors, join us to express his excitement about the potential of AM in healthcare. The evening was a perfect opportunity to relax, celebrate, and spark future collaborations in a laid-back atmosphere – and we think it’s safe to say, that everyone had a great time!

Day 2 Day 2 kicked off with fresh insights into AM’s role in healthcare, touching on sustainability, impact measurement, and investment. Key discussions tackled the political, regulatory, and financial aspects of AM in medicine, while hands-on workshops gave participants a chance to experience AM in action—from eye surgery training using 3D-printed models to exploring the future of mass personalization in healthcare. Conversations around regulatory challenges, pharmaceutical advancements, and supply chain automation highlighted the evolving landscape of AM in healthcare, providing valuable insights for the road ahead.

Key Takeaways EHFAM2024 wasn’t just a conference – it was a platform for exchanging ideas, forging partnerships, and pushing the boundaries of what AM can achieve in healthcare. Some key takeaways were:

Collaboration is crucial to advancing AM in healthcare.
We need to raise awareness about the transformative power of AM.
Generating solid evidence is essential to drive regulatory and investment support.
Educating stakeholders on how AM creates a more sustainable and patient-centric healthcare system is key.

Honorable Mentions A huge thank you to our sponsors, media partners, exhibitors, and participants – your energy made EHFAM2024 the success it was. We hope everyone left with valuable insights, new connections, and a shared vision for the future!

Looking Ahead When we took over the former AM Medical Days, our vision was to grow and elevate the event by uniting forces across Europe to drive AM in healthcare. The potential is undeniable, and dedicated events like EHFAM are critical to shaping that future. With this first edition, we’ve kicked off the journey with a bang and we can’t wait for what’s next.

See you at EHFAM2025!

For more impressions, visit our website at ehfam.eu.

Author: Sophie Poser