Press Releases

Hamburg-Bergedorf, September 9, 2026 -At Formnext 2026, Fraunhofer IAPT will present a new process for the automated removal of support structures from additively manufactured components using ultrasound. The process was developed as part of a project funded by the Fraunhofer High-Performance Center IAMHH®. A patent application has already been filed.

Artificial intelligence to combine quality and profitability in additive manufacturing using recycled thermoplastics

Fraunhofer IAPT will be presenting a robot with a flexible gripper arm at Fruit Logistica 2026. The solution automates the handling of different fruits and processes such as gripping, sorting, and packaging. The collaborative robot can work alongside humans and alleviate the shortage of skilled workers.

In the ITEA project FAMILIAR, Fraunhofer IAPT and the institute’s project partners have developed a digital assistance system using machine learning and mixed-reality (XR) glasses for robotic Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM). The assistance system enables companies with little prior knowledge to utilize WAAM as efficient yet challenging 3D printing technology.

Hamburg-Bergedorf, October 21, 2025 – The Fraunhofer Institute for Additive Manufacturing Technologies IAPT focuses on the automation of additive manufacturing at Formnext 2025 (Booth D 69, Hall 12.0). Using an AM manufacturing route, the Fraunhofer Institute showcases collaborative robots with flexible gripping systems and a cost-effective, AI-based quality assurance through machine vision.

Experts from the Fraunhofer IAPT will present the current state of artificial intelligence, machine vision, and learning systems for cost-effective quality assurance in additive manufacturing during an online session on October 16, 2025.