Implementing the digital thread in additive manufacturing is now an operational necessity, no longer a futuristic vision. Multi-CAD integration requires reliable solutions to overcome interoperability barriers, ensure traceability, and maintain data consistency throughout the entire production cycle. Case studies and best practices show how middleware, clear governance, and hybrid toolchains can

Designing lights-out factories requires an advanced software architecture that integrates machines, data, and processes in real time. Software-defined automation makes it possible to overcome the limitations of proprietary solutions, ensuring interoperability, security, and scalability. Only in this way can artificial intelligence be fully exploited to optimize production and maintain control of the p

Researchers have developed superelastic metamaterials in Nitinol with interwoven 3D-printed structures, combining superelasticity and lattice architectures to achieve advanced mechanical properties without altering the chemical composition. These materials, which behave more like fabrics than metals, open new possibilities for biomedical implants, protective devices, and stru

The war in Iran has pushed the defense sector to rethink supply chains, focusing on additive manufacturing for greater flexibility and resilience. Advanced technologies and partnerships between government and startups enable the production of critical components in record time, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. Examples like Ursa Major and the Draper engine show how it is possible

Post-processing is crucial in stereolithography to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. Stages such as washing and post-curing eliminate chemical residues and complete polymerization, ensuring mechanical properties and biocompatibility. The use of validated systems and low-risk solvents improves operational efficiency and safety.

Binder jetting with ceramic slurries offers industrial advantages such as higher green density and controlled shrinkage, but requires precise management of rheology and material stability. Compared to dry powder systems, this technology allows for greater uniformity and production scalability, provided that advanced control systems and stable formulations are integrated to ensure quality and repeatability

The additive manufacturing sector is experiencing a shift: from growth based on volumes to a strategy focused on margins, vertical specialization, and operational optimization. Companies like Materialise demonstrate how consolidation and attention to profitability, rather than expansion, can guarantee positive cash flows and solid financial positions, even

New entry-level LPBF systems, such as Metal-Base, make metal 3D printing accessible to startups and labs with costs under €10,000, thanks to innovative technologies, compact design, and open-source software.

The PowTReX by Volkmann is an advanced system for the automated management of metal powders in additive production. It integrates pneumatic transport, ultrasonic sieving, and automatic recovery in a closed, explosion-proof environment, ensuring safety, material quality, and production continuity. Ideal for scalable industrial contexts and multi-supplier environments, it supports various metal allo

The presented patents improve powder control in metal 3D printing by monitoring its characteristics and flow in real time to adapt process parameters. This reduces waste, improves layer quality, and increases repeatability, with positive impacts on production costs and times.

The TCT Awards 2026 highlight the growing role of additive manufacturing in strategic sectors such as aerospace, defense, and automotive, with projects that integrate optimized structures, advanced materials, and cross-sector collaborations.

Hybrid metal-polymer FDM extrusion allows printing parts with metallic properties using composite filaments, without complex post-processing. It combines ease of use and safety, reducing costs and production times. Ideal for rapid prototyping and production of complex metal components in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and tooling.