Get into the Zone: 3D/4D Printing

The 3D/4D Printing Zone is new to NPE2018, showcasing all the ways that three- and four-dimensional printing are revolutionizing new product creation. “This zone was added to bring together industry professionals using and learning about new 3D/4D technology,” Anderson says. “It’s part of our goal of creating the zones to be areas of focused technology for exhibitors and attendees.”

This zone is 4,800 net ft² of exhibit space dedicated to the latest 3D/4D (also known as additive manufacturing) printing trends and technologies. Expect to see exhibitors representing three countries and a range of industries, from automotive to healthcare and everything in between, all putting on display the wide variety of uses for 3D/4D printing in today’s rapidly digitalizing world. Here visitors will see the technologies enabling many companies to produce prototypes, mold components, and even finished parts directly from digital files.

One of this new Zone’s must-sees, though, are the 3D Printing Workshops, according to Glenn Anderson, Chairman of NPE2018 and v.p., Strategic Account Development for Milacron. Sponsored by Additive Manufacturing Media and Plastics Technology magazine, visitors can learn more in-depth about 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies from the perspective of plastics processing. Topics include short-run production, conformal cooling, end-of-arm tooling, bridge tooling, and material advancements.