3D printing, also known as additive printing, is one of those technological revolutions that have rapidly invaded our daily lives. Far from being the preserve of hobbyists, it is now widely used by cutting-edge industries and start-ups. It can be used to rapidly create prototypes, and to manufacture complex parts and objects individually or in series. It can even be used to erect buildings in record time at a fraction of the cost of traditional construction. The Add Fab trade show is being held on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 April 2018 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles to introduce visitors to this new technology and showcase its promoters and the products they design using it. This is the only truly French showcase for the industrial reality that additive manufacturing has become.

A not-to-be-missed 3D printing event for the general public

This second edition of Add Fab aims to be the professional showcase for developments in this market of the future. It’s a real forum for exchanges, discoveries and business. Its exhibition space brings together the most representative and innovative companies in 3D printing. These include start-ups and international companies, their advertising/marketing departments, and companies in the health, transport and maintenance sectors. The 3,500 trade visitors expected – 1,789 in 2017, a good omen for a revolution – will be meeting up at the captivating conferences, where no fewer than a thousand people are expected to attend, round tables and workshops. Numerous events are planned, including start-up pitches, and demonstration areas will be set aside to showcase the methods and tools used in additive printing.

Additive 3D printing is establishing itself as an essential industrial tool

Once out of the laboratories of those who invented it, and out of the garages of enthusiasts, additive 3D printing has become a first-rate industrial tool. It is called additive because its operating principle is based on the fine, precise stacking of printing materials one on top of the other. If your printer throws out its ink in 2D, the 3D one gives relief. Thanks to a table that operates the nozzle along three axes, and controlled by 3D modelling software, you can create any object you want. The size doesn’t matter, you just design the finished product like a jigsaw puzzle made up of several other small pieces. For industry, the benefits are immense compared with other techniques such as extrusion, moulding or 3D machining. Production is faster and much less expensive.

Additive printing has given rise to a new way of designing

The ease with which a digital 3D model can be transferred to printed form has enabled the development of totally revolutionary new products, which even small structures are capable of implementing. 3D printers can even be transported. Anything can be created using additive printing technology.

Going beyond tools to give free rein to creativity

At this second edition of Add Fab, visitors will discover all aspects of additive manufacturing. All the products in the sector will be on show, including 3D printers, consumables, scanning procedures and 3D models. This will be an exceptional opportunity for all professionals looking for solutions. Today, nothing seems to stand in the way of additive manufacturing, and there are plenty of surprises in store. The ” Pitch Startups 3D ” Trophy will demonstrate, if proof were needed, that 3D/additive printing has reached maturity. Now it’s time to get away from the complexity of the tools and concepts and get inspired at Add Fab 2018.

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