At the joined booth of our friends from Composites United, MGA found the perfect starting place for the first JEC participation in our history. Our colleague Sven Fritzsche has uncovered a wealth of insights into the evolving landscape of AM and composites. The event served as a platform to showcase the growing role of 3D printing in composite manufacturing, the advancements in mold-making capabilities, and the symbiotic relationship between composites and additive manufacturing in lightweight construction.
One of the highlights of the event was the growing integration of AM into the composite industry, exemplified by our strengthened partnership with Composites United. Their showcase of 3D-printed furniture demonstrated the seamless fusion of innovative manufacturing techniques with traditional composite materials.
Moreover, the event shed light on the expanding opportunities for material producers and companies specializing in large-scale additive manufacturing. With an increasing number of traditional CNC machining companies incorporating 3D print heads capable of volumetric rates up to 75kg/h. Clearly, the intersection of AM and composites presents a promising avenue for innovation and growth.
Furthermore, AM emerges as a key tool for crafting lightweight structures, making it essential for 3D printing companies to explore the composite market. By offering their unique solutions tailored to the needs of composite applications, AM companies can capitalize on the growing demand for lightweight and durable materials.
In conclusion, JEC World 2024 provided a glimpse into the future of additive manufacturing and composites, highlighting the synergies and opportunities that lie at the intersection of these two transformative technologies. As we reflect on the insights gained from the event, we look forward to leveraging these learnings to drive innovation and excellence in our respective industries.
See you at JEC World 2025!

The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) 2024 event in Chicago has brought together 1500 participants, including members of the MGA network and the MGA office team, for five days of exploration into exciting new applications of AM. All organized by users for users, AMUG has served as a platform for unveiling intriguing developments, including Canada’s innovative machines and materials, as well as the launch of new products like Meltio’s metal machine and automation software by Würth Additive Group.
Despite the excitement surrounding these advancements, AMUG 2024 also sparked thought-provoking discussions on controversial topics such as printing series parts for firearms and intimate jewellery, demonstrating the expanding reach of AM across diverse industries. Additionally, the event’s workshops provided attendees with valuable hands-on learning opportunities, deepening their understanding of emerging technologies.
Key takeaways from AMUG 2024 include discussions on the transformative impact of 3D printing in healthcare, highlighting its potential in anatomical modelling, pre-surgical planning, dental implants, drug printing, and regulatory considerations for medical devices. Moreover, there was a growing awareness of sustainability issues in the USA, thanks in part to initiatives like the Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association (AMGTA).
Collaboration emerged as a central theme at AMUG 2024, with participants recognizing the critical need for increased collaboration across sectors to drive innovation forward. Organizations like MGA Mobility and Medical are committed to fostering collaborative efforts to address the challenges and opportunities facing the AM industry.
Reflecting on the event, participants noted the importance of top management support and collaboration in implementing AM initiatives within companies. Despite challenges, there is optimism about the potential for AM to revolutionize various sectors, including rail, which remains relatively unexplored in the USA.
As AMUG 2024 comes to an end, participants reflect on the insightful discussions, valuable networking opportunities, and exciting advancements in additive manufacturing.

Additive Manufacturing stands as a symbol of innovation, yet its true potential lies in the hands of the next generation. We’re excited to introduce the 4th MGA-VDI Student Competition, supported by industry giants such as Airbus, Autodesk, Composite Technology Center / CTC GmbH (An Airbus Company), Deutsche Bahn, EOS, Helmut-Schmidt-Universität/Universität der Bundeswehr Hamburg and VDI Young Engineers, showcasing our collective dedication to nurturing innovation and excellence in AM.

What’s in Store?
This year’s competition revolves around the theme of ROBOTIC APPLICATIONS. Over the course of three action-packed days, interdisciplinary student teams from across Germany and Europe will embark on a thrilling journey to develop innovative products and craft comprehensive business plans leveraging the power of 3D printing technology.

Each interdisciplinary student team will be given a complex use case or a product development task around the topic of Advanced Robotics for mobility, industry and medical applications. They then have the weekend to solve the task using AM and taking into account technical, economic and ecological factors. On the last day, there will be a professional pitch and an evaluation by a top-class jury of experts and executives – and of course the winners will get great prices!

Who Should Join Us?

• Calling all students! Whether you’re a seasoned AM enthusiast, an engineer, economics major or simply curious about the potential of 3D printing, this competition is tailor-made for you. Secure your spot by registering before March 31, 2024, at vdi.de/mga.
• Companies, listen up! Are you looking for the next talented engineer for your company? Engage with the next generation of fresh minds at the Student Competition and help us shape the future of AM. Contact us now to get involved!

Join us on April 26 – 28, 2024:
Don’t miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to be part of the next wave of Additive Manufacturing innovation. Together, let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible and engineer a future limited only by our imagination. We can’t wait to see you there!

Since 2019, our Tech-Journey has taken us across the US and Israel, and now, in 2024, we’re thrilled to set our sights on South Africa. Join us as we venture into the heart of one of Africa’s most vibrant nation’s AM landscape, uncovering its immense potential.

Why South Africa?
South Africa stands out as a key player in Additive Manufacturing, boasting remarkable growth over the past two decades. From just one 3D Systems SLA 250 in 1991 to around 5700 machines in 2018, the market has experienced exponential expansion. Yet, it’s not just about the numbers: South Africa nurtures a thriving start-up ecosystem – not just because the government has dedicated funding projects for AM – and holds specialized expertise in aerospace, rail transport, and medical 3D printing. With nearly two-thirds of universities equipped with their own AM facilities, the country fosters a robust academic research landscape.

Why Should You Join?
Joining our delegation offers a unique chance to network with South African companies and fellow German pioneers in the AM field. Immerse yourself in a series of visits to relevant companies and institutions, gaining firsthand insights into the South African market. This fully funded initiative (please check your company’s De-Minimis regulations) promises a comprehensive exploration of Additive Manufacturing in a vibrant and evolving landscape.

What to Expect from our 2024 Tech-Journey?
Join us on this transformative journey to South Africa, where Additive Manufacturing meets innovation and opportunity. Together with the AHK Southern Africa, Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie GmbH and Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) we are organising every company visit and event in South Africa – you simply have to book a flight and your accomodation! Here’s a glimpse of our planned itinerary:

• Sunday, Nov 3: Arrival in Cape Town
• Monday, Nov 4: Company visits in Cape Town
• Tuesday, Nov 5: Presentation event and networking in Cape Town
• Wednesday, Nov 6: Company visits and networking in Bloemfontein
• Thursday, Nov 7: Presentation event and networking in Johannesburg/Pretoria
• Friday, Nov 8: Company visits in Johannesburg/Pretoria, Departure to Germany

Interested in learning more about this trip?
Contact us to join our informational webinar on July 3, 2024, to gain comprehensive insights into the Tech-Journey to South Africa. Don’t miss this chance to unlock the transformative potential of Additive Manufacturing.

The AM Forum 2024 under the motto of “Accelerating the adoption of AM” provided 3 days of innovation, networking, and thought-provoking discussions. Let’s recap!

On March 19, participants could join one of three AM Tours, showcasing the AM industry of Berlin – and of course we at MGA hosted one of those tours. Led by Naomi Nathan and Stefanie Brickwede the participants not only saw medical breakthroughs and cutting-edge mobility solutions in our exhibition but were also allowed a glimpse into the elastomer printer from Chromatic 3D materials.
Because it is easier to enjoy yourself with a full stomach, the attendees were also offered a unique culinary experience: 3D printed vegan salmon. This additional highlight further exemplified the innovative applications of AM technology.

Later, guests joined the Pre-Evening Event at Wasserwerk, powered by Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie GmbH. Here, amidst Berlin’s dynamic innovation ecosystem, participants engaged in networking and collaboration with peers and industry leaders.
On March 20 & 21, as attendees navigated through thought-provoking keynotes and engaging discussions, the AM Forum buzzed with energy and excitement. Networking opportunities abounded, fostering meaningful connections and collaborations that promise to shape the future of 3D printing.
The Women in AM Luncheon, an event by women for women, celebrated the contributions of women in the AM field, featuring inspiring talks by industry trailblazers Marie Langer, Naomi Nathan, and Stefanie Brickwede. Their words resonated with the all-female attendees, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation forward. Are you a female representative of the AM industry? Join us for the Women in AM Summit on October 9, 2024. Learn more

The session “AM in the area of public service providers” explored the intersection of AM and rail as well as defence. The session, led by Stefanie Brickwede, and featuring Henri de Chassey from Wabtec, and Martin Huber from the European Defense Agency shed light on the potential of AM to revolutionize various sectors, sparking discussions that will fuel future innovations.
To conclude the AM Forum 2024, we held the meeting of our Working Group Defense, where notable figures such as Andreas Leupold of Leupold Legal, Mareike Heesing from Oppenhoff, and Martin Huber from the European Defense Agency, highlighted the imperative of discussing military applications for AM. Learn more about the group here.
As we bid farewell to another successful AM Forum, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, organizers (Tobias Schmidt, Barbara Weingarten, Nyusha Anvari and the IPM Team), and partners for their invaluable contributions. Together, let’s continue to push the boundaries of innovation and drive positive change in the world of 3D printing.

The year 2023 has been a significant one for the world of Additive Manufacturing, with a notable surge in interest from politicians and investors as well as promising Use Cases on the horizon. In the past 12 months, not only have we welcomed 21 new members into our network (see list below), but we also enlarged our Working Group portfolio and kept up with current projects in existing Working and Focus Groups.

Wanna know what happened in our Working Groups? Here is a little insight:

• Ecological Sustainability published a short comprehensive overview of the critical dimensions of environmental sustainability in AM. We urge everyone to delve into this valuable paper. Find it here…
• Mobility Materials Mobility Materials underwent a major restructuring, with the departure of its leader Tina Schlingmann, breaking up the old Focus Groups and focusing on new projects on both material sides, polymers and metals. Those projects deal with (re)defining polymer data sheets for AM and standardize necessary testing and the topic of wire-DED. Learn about the group here…
• Analyses & Processing, a new Focus Group under the umbrella of Medical Materials, started their work in 2023. The Groups goal is to establish a set of methods that will give us data on the reuse of materials that have gone through a printing process, especially regarding medical devices. Sustainability at its best! Learn more here
• Hospitals kicked off a major project: an international multicentre study, examining the non-inferiority of the open-source software “3D Slicer” compared to approved medical devices. Learn more here
• Veterinary, the newest endeavour of the Medical Division, expands our horizon from human medicine over to the care of our beloved animals and pets. Now, the Group is for example dealing with materials suited for dental prostheses for horses. Learn more here
• Construction was kicked off at the end of June and focuses on different applications of Additive Manufacturing in the construction industry. From printing houses to manufacturing shells to save materials – we focus on everything necessary to ingrate AM into this traditional industry. Learn more here
• AM has made significant inroads into the defence sector, gaining prominence in various discussions. Our Working Group Defense, that we kicked-off in November, serves as a neutral platform, allowing for informative discussions about projects and funding programs related to AM in the defence sector. Learn more

If we are not pushing the discussions and projects in our Working Groups, we are far from sitting idly: during the past twelve months we actively participated in various events, cultivated new cooperations and worked closely with existing partners to raise the standing of Additive Manufacturing and its benefits to the industry.

Here is a short overview of our activities:

• At the beginning of February, we defied temperatures too far below zero (-15°C) to be comfortable and began our TechJourney to New York and Boston. Together with “Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie” we lead a delegation of Berlin based companies as well as our members. Together we visited multiple companies and institutions in the two American cities. One of the highlights was attending the AM Strategies hosted by our partners from 3DPrint.com  with inspiring speeches and panel discussions. Find out more here
• It is important to educate future generations about the benefits and possibilities of AM – that is why in spring of 2023, we welcomed three student interns from local schools to our Berlin offices. The goal was for them to gain insights into the intricacies of our international network and to take the first steps into becoming 3D printing enthusiasts. During their two-week internship, our Berlin based members BigRep and formlabs graciously provided them access to their production sites, offering a comprehensive look into their operations. The three students between the ages of 14 and 15 were excited and eager to learn and were at the end of their stay able to print their very first self-designed part. We look forward to further education a generation of Additive Natives. Learn more
• Our support for the next generations also includes the MGA/VDI Student Competition. This is an international and interdisciplinary competition on 3D printing for university students on all aspects of Additive Manufacturing and digitization. More than 60 students from multiple universities and various departments and courses of study joined us and our partners for the three-day hackathon-like competition in Düsseldorf. We will of course do that again this year! Learn more about last year here or join us this year here.
• At our IAM (Industrial Additive Manufacturing) Hub in Berlin, we aim to showcase as many different technologies of Additive Manufacturing as possible to as many people as possible – from politicians to international delegations and students of all ages, everyone is welcome to look at both printers and printed parts. Thanks to our member Chromatic 3D Materials, we added the printing of elastomers to our printer farm. They provided us with their RX-Flow 3500® machine, that can print rubber like parts at speed using two component printing. Learn more Would you like to showcase your technology? Contact us now!
• One of the largest meetings for Users of AM is the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) annual event in Chicago – and we were of course on site to learn about the latest trends and developments of our industry from an international perspective. Our Managing Director Stefanie Brickwede even presented on stage with Ole von Seelen from our member Trinckle. The AMUG is the perfect place to be when looking to be (re-)inspired by AM – we will of course be there again in 2024.
• Internationally we also attended the AM Conclave in Abu Dhabi, where we strengthened our partnership with AM Chronicle. The conference aims to unite the Additive Manufacturing ecosystem of the Middle East on one platform including Government, Users, Software Providers, Hardware, Material Manufacturers, Research Institutes and Standards & Certification Bodies. Learn more.
• Our partners from IPM are one of the key event providers in the field of Additive Manufacturing: last year we joined them for the AM Forum in July, the RAILWAY Forum in September and the AM MEDICAL DAYS (as co-initiators) in December. All those events provided us with important insights into the different industries utilizing the power of AM: from integrating AM into the design of new trains to printing breast implants, the possibilities are nearly endless. Come and join us at the AM Forum 2024 on March 20 & 21
• We were also at the Open House of the German Bundestag (House of Representatives) with a small booth showing an audience of politicians as well as interested members of the public how amazing AM can be. The event was the perfect opportunity to meet the right members of the German government as well as members of the opposition to tell them about the needs of our industry. As a next step we will welcome those politicians in our IAM Hub to make sure to gain political support for 3D printing.
• Where else were we in 2023?
  • At the rapid.tech3D we met a lot of our friends and as members of the jury of course attended the award ceremony of the 3D Pioneers Challenge , honouring the most innovative new ideas and pioneers.
  • At the European Military Additive Manufacturing Symposium  we met both military representatives and military suppliers. At the event supported by the European Defence Agency we gained important insights into a very secretive industry for our newest Working Group.
  • At the Formnext, the most important AM trade fair, we were amazed to see the latest developments in materials and machines as well as join the jury of the Formnext Start-Up Challenge and sign an MoU with CanadaMakes , Canada’s premier AM network. In this partnership, we aim to drive international collaboration by leveraging shared competencies, network and foster close cooperation.
  • At the LightCon in Hannover our friends from Composites United (where we also hold a seat in their committee) and we were thrilled to see the developments in both design and materials for lightweight constructions and components. AM and lightweight are a match made in heaven and at the Hannover Fair 2024 we aim to further explore the possibilities.
  • Exploring new industries for our network, we encountered the MARILIGHT initiative, a network for lightweight solutions in the maritime sector. Noticing our many common goals, we kicked off our partnership at their annual meeting in May. We look forward to pushing AM in for example ship building.

Other than visiting events, joining juries, and cultivating partnerships, we also joined multiple initiatives or were a part of bodies. Our positions other than the ones already mentioned were:

• Member of the strategical advisory board of the Technology Transfer Program Lightweight of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
• Member of the board of trustees of the Fraunhofer IAPT in Hamburg
• Co-Initiator and member of the board of AMBER (Additive Manufacturing Berlin Brandenburg)
• Member of the board of the ULTRAGrain project (aims to create a customised fine-grained microstructure (“grading”) in wire and powder-based laser cladding, which promises to improve the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of many engineering alloys)
• Member of the board of HEALTH CAPITAL cluster
• Member of the funded KISS (AI-supported Rapid Supply Network) Project aimed to create an AI-based semantic platform to accelerate the establishment of value networks.
• Member of the funded DigiZug3D Project with the goal of mapping and digitalising the approval process in the rail sector

We also look forward to further cooperation with the Women in 3D Printing initiative, the Danish AM Hub and NAMIC.

But of course, our highlight of 2023 was our MGA Annual Meeting and Women in AM Summit at the end of September in Berlin. Not only did we have amazing weather with the last truly warm late summer days of the year, but we also welcomed inspiring pioneers providing insights into Defence, Railway, Fashion, Design and so much more… And we enjoyed an outdoor evening event with 3D printed pasta, salmon, and burgers. Our Working Groups presented their projects and outcomes of the past month and reshaped our Advisory Board: thank you to Steffen Kuhn and Klaus Roeser for their valuable contributions as members of the board and a warm welcome to Dominic Duda and Marc Fette, whom we look forward to working with. Learn more here

Unfortunately, at the end of 2023 we received the sad news that our former Chairman of the Executive Board, Gorden Falk, passed away suddenly after short illness. We remember a personality of great motivation and drive as well as an unforgettable supporter of Additive Manufacturing on the track and beyond. In him, we have lost a colleague who was held in high esteem both personally and professionally and who always supported and accompanied 3D printing and our network.

But even with that sad news, we have had a busy year adapting to the dynamic landscape. For the coming year we listened to your wishes and concerns, evaluated our questionnaire (that some of you filled out at or after the Annual Meeting), and will among others focus on the following projects in 2024:

• A TechJourney to South Africa—buoyed by the success of last year’s expedition, we aspire to explore more international markets and cultures. Would you like to participate? Contact us now!
• The initiation of a new Focus Group, Dental—participate in the kick-off to shape its specific content. Learn more here…
• We will re-evaluate the focuses of our Working Groups to adjust to the current market needs. If there are any topics we are missing in our portfolio, please let us know! Next up we invite all interested parties to the next Defence and Construction meetings – for more information contact Sven Fritzsche
• Political Engineering: together with other influential institutions from the additive world, we aim to put 3D Printing on every politician’s agenda to ensure funding and support for our technology!

We cannot wait to see what the next year has in store for the Additive industries and our network.

We look forward to boosting AM with you!

New Members 2023 :

GS1
Trabtech Medikal İleri Teknolojiler A.Ş
3D Spark
ARBURG
Atum3D
BioMed Center Innovation GmbH
Quantica3D
Tierklinik Lüsche
ValCUN
MTC MOIIN
Castlab
German Emirati Institute
Grow
Q.BIG3D
RWTH Aachen
SKZ
Smart Zavod UA LLC
Thought 3D
TIZ Implements
Plasmics
DMFG Solutions GmbH

“Our trains must roll.” – this sentence was coined by the former chairman of the DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung and at that time Chairman of the Executive Board of Mobility goes Additive Gorden Falk. After a short but serious illness he passed away on Christmas 2023 at the age of 58. We remember a personality of great motivation and drive as well as an unforgettable supporter of Additive Manufacturing on the track and beyond. In him, we have lost a colleague who was held in high esteem both personally and professionally and who always supported and accompanied 3D printing and our network.

3D printing was a passionate topic for him not only in his role as head of the DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung (train maintenance). Even before joining DB, Gorden Falk had developed a keen interest in the technology at the aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

In 2019, he took over the position of Chairman of the Executive Board of Mobility goes Additive with great commitment until 2022. Under his aegis, MGA became significantly more international and focussed more strongly on SMEs. His support was essential when it came to obtaining quick, precise, and reliable answers in order to strategically align our network.

Inspired certainly by his active involvement in the network, he paved the way for Additive Manufacturing in new trains in his last role at the Deutsche Bahn as project manager for the procurement of the next generation of high-speed trains.

With specific specifications for additively manufactured components in the new train generations, he opened up extensive “Design for Additive” approaches and thus integrated Additive Manufacturing into the first stages of the value chain in the railway sector. As an innovative strategist, he was aware that the potential of 3D printing could be significantly increased in this way. This once again demonstrates his innovative strength and future-orientation.
Our special condolences go to his family and loved ones in these difficult days. Gorden Falk will always be vividly remembered as a humorous, interested and people-oriented companion who will be dearly missed!

Our journey began with the Kick-Off during Formnext on November 9th, featuring insightful presentations by Andreas Leupold (Leupold Legal) on the legal aspects of AM in Defense and Calum Stewart (Spee3D) sharing valuable insights into the training of Ukrainian soldiers with Spee3D’s machines. Not only were we able to witness your enthusiasm but also the importance of establishing a neutral platform that allows for discussions and exchanging of ideas to take place.
Building on this momentum, we are gearing up for our next meeting on January 22nd, that will focus on the strategic orientation of our working group and delve into business perspectives.

Out of consideration for the topics discussed, participation in the working group is restricted to members from EU and/or NATO countries.
Looking ahead, our next physical meeting is planned for the period around the AM Forum on March 20th-21st. This meeting, whether in a separate room at the AM Forum or at the MGA office the day before, not only allows for personal exchanges in a business context but also offers participation in the AM Forum.
Our Working Group Defense aims to pave the way for business alignments and international collaborations, promising substantial progress for the industry.
Don’t miss out and join us for riveting discussion on January 22nd.

If you have any further questions or inquiries please contact Sven Fritzsche.

We all know that one of the key factors for implementing Additive Manufacturing in traditional industries, such as the railway sector, we need to work together on approvals and standards for 3D printed parts.

Three years ago, our Approval in Rail Working Group achieved a major breakthrough: through rigorous testing and computational verification, the first safety-relevant component was approved for the use in a commercial train.

At the end of November, we now kicked off the next project for the Working Group and its partners: DigiZug3D.

Supported by the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action in in the economic stimulus programme “Digitalisation of vehicle manufacturers and supplier industry”, the Working Group and its partners are planning to map and digitalise the approval process in the rail sector. To keep the process as cost-effective as possible, the members of the funding project are focusing for example on reducing the scope of testing by enabling an analytical strength assessment that will be transferred to guidelines and standardisation.

The project is centred around the L-PBF-technology and plans to derive the parameters necessary for mathematical strength verification for parts made of 316L, ultimately including the results in the FKM-guideline.

Why do this? We need an as generic as possible approval path in the rail industry!

But the group also plans to look at the bigger picture to find general ways to approve printed parts across all sectors: they are interested in exchange with other industries to share results as well as jointly define the requirements for digital approval paths. At the end of the project, they aim to launch a digital platform, acting as a database, guiding and communication tool along the approval chain.

We are looking forward to three years of working together with SIEMENS Mobility, Additive Marking, TÜV Nord, IMA Dresden, PIAF (Paderborner Institut für Additive Fertigung), DB, ÖBB, Photon, Nikon SLM, Hamburger Hochbahn!

International standardisation in the field of Additive Manufacturing is currently dominated by the work of ISO/TC 261. This technical committee has been organised very successfully by Germany since it was founded in 2011 with the help of DIN, which runs the associated ISO secretariat. The chair has also been provided by Germany since then.

The financing of these DIN activities is currently not secured. Without further support, the management of the committee will be taken over by other international players and Europe is in danger of losing its pioneering role in 3D printing. As a result, the interests of German companies would lose considerable influence on standardisation work in a global comparison.

In order to close the funding gap, we are asking for support on behalf of the DIN: Membership of the DIN Additive Manufacturing Advisory Board (€4,000) is one way of doing this. In addition, project-related assistance and the involvement of other stakeholders or public bodies in your own network can help to raise the budget in good time.

The official application for support is available as a PDF here. If you have any questions, please contact the DIN Advisory Board.