Formnext Reflections: Catalyzing Innovation, Building the Future of AM Solutions

Lewis Simms

 

As the largest additive manufacturing event in the world, Formnext has consistently been a cornerstone for innovation, networking, and industry-defining announcements. Over the years, Nexa3D has used this global stage to showcase cutting-edge advancements and solidify its position as a leader in the 3D printing industry. While Nexa3D will not be exhibiting at Formnext 2024, the momentum we’ve built at this premier event continues to propel us forward, especially as we move into our brand-new facility—a milestone marking our commitment to scalability and growth.

 

Formnext 2022: Shaping the Future with Game-Changing Product Launches

Formnext 2022 was a milestone year for Nexa3D with the launch of two groundbreaking products: the XiP desktop resin 3D printer and the QLS 820 high-throughput thermoplastic 3D printer.

  • The XiP was unveiled as the fastest desktop resin printer on the market, designed to meet the needs of engineers, designers, and creators seeking precision and industrial printing capabilities in a desktop printer. The XiP featured ultrafast print speeds and plug-and-play usability, making high-performance 3D printing more accessible to professionals and businesses.
  • The QLS 820 introduced a paradigm shift in thermoplastic production, offering unmatched throughput with its quad-laser system. With print speeds of up to 8 liters per hour and a flexible, automation-ready architecture, the QLS 820 empowered manufacturers to scale their production efficiently.

These product launches underscored Nexa3D’s commitment to democratizing access to high-performance 3D printing solutions for a diverse range of applications. Additionally, we announced enhancements to our growing materials portfolio, broadening the scope of applications across industries like aerospace, automotive, and healthcare, and reinforced our vision of enabling sustainable manufacturing by replacing traditional processes with faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective solutions.

Formnext 2023: A Year of Expansion and Innovation

Our participation at Formnext 2023 marked a year of strategic expansion, including major product launches and incredible technological advancements:

  • XiP Pro: The industrial evolution of the XiP, the XiP Pro was designed for manufacturing-scale resin printing. With an expanded build volume and ultrafast speeds, it redefined what’s possible for production environments seeking both precision and scalability.
  • QLS 260: This compact SLS 3D printer was designed for prototyping and low-volume production. Offering a versatile alternative to larger systems, it made selective laser sintering more accessible to businesses of all sizes and introduced zero-waste printing – a first in the powder bed fusion segment.
  • xMOLD and Freeform Injection Molding: Nexa3D unveiled its Freeform Injection Molding process, powered by our brand-new xMOLD material. This innovative solution offered manufacturers a faster, more cost-effective way to produce injection mold tooling, eliminating traditional barriers to rapid tooling production.
  • NexaAI: Nexa3D introduced NexaAI, an advanced AI software package harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to revolutionize the 3D printing user experience, simplifying and automating the entire end-to-end process, from file preparation to post-processing. NexaAI delivers real-time insights and predictive analytics, enabling users to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and maximize production uptime.

 

Introducing FIM and xMOLD at the Formnext Technology Stage

 

2024: Building a Foundation for the Future

This year, Nexa3D has made the strategic decision to focus inward. While we will miss the energy and connections of Formnext, we are channeling our resources into completing our move to a brand-new facility. This state-of-the-art space will enable us to scale operations, enhance R&D capabilities, and continue delivering the speed and innovation our customers have come to expect.

As we reflect on our past successes at Formnext, we’re reminded of the invaluable role this event has played in shaping the additive manufacturing industry. We look forward to returning in the future, armed with even more transformative solutions and innovations. In the meantime, we remain laser-focused on advancing the boundaries of what’s possible in 3D printing. Stay tuned as we continue to deliver game-changing technology, expand our capabilities, and push the envelope in additive manufacturing.