Press Releases

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.

The implementation of additive manufacturing in the space industry and other critical sectors demands strict compliance with industry-specific quality and safety standards. In response, OHB System AG and Fraunhofer IAPT developed design and manufacturing guidelines, establishing a robust additive manufacturing route for the production of enhanced spacecraft components using the PBF-LB/M technology. To validate the manufacturing process, it was utilized for optimizing three satellite components.

At automatica 2025, the Fraunhofer IAPT will present collaborative robots for the automation of production, especially for the dynamic requirements of additive manufacturing. The "Cobots" reduce the effort required to install and expand additive manufacturing. "Cobots" enable the automation of production processes with innovative mechanisms and seamless end-to-end data formats, increasing process stability and improving product quality. The automation solutions benefit from additively manufactured tools and grippers.

The Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC) is receiving $58M (AUD) in Australian Commonwealth Funding to support the Centre’s $271M (AUD) Research and Development to promote additive manufacturing as a future technology within Australian Industry. As an Associate Partner and the only Fraunhofer Institute in the AMCRC, Fraunhofer IAPT will contribute its expertise along the additive manufacturing production route to projects with AMCRC partners from research and industry. The initiative will aim for a more sustainable and globally competitive production for Australia's economy.

Zellerfeld, an internationally successful pioneer in the additive manufacturing of personalized shoes, is on a growth trajectory. The company aims to scale its production environment from 200 to several thousand 3D printers. The experts from the Fraunhofer Institute for Additive Production Technologies IAPT are accompanying the conceptualization of the new infrastructure.

At the beginning of May 2025, the first AM conference of the IAMHH e.V. association for researchers and representatives of producing companies interested in additive manufacturing will take place in Hamburg. On the evening before, IAMHH e.V. invites you to the "AM Pitch Night." This new format connects innovators and investors in the field of additive production.

The Fraunhofer IAPT is planning a study on additive manufacturing with silicones for applications in sealing technology. Participating companies can contribute their own questions.